EVANSTON, Ill. — In as much of a pro-Hoosier environment one could imagine, Indiana took on Northwestern in Evanston on Wednesday night in a battle of two top-40 defenses. Despite one of the worst first-half performances in recent memory, the Hoosiers clawed back from a 21-point deficit to turn an uncompetitive game into a battle down to the final shot.
The Wildcats picked up their second consecutive home win against a ranked opponent from the state of Indiana, taking down the Hoosiers with that final score.
After an Indiana steal off of an inbound’s play to tie the game at 62, Northwestern guard Boo Buie scored a clutch layup in the final seconds of the game to put Northwestern up 64-62.
Indiana was led by a 23 point performance from Trayce Jackson-Davis, earning his 46th double-double of his career. He also distributed eight assists in the contest. Race Thompson and Jalen Hood-Schifino each added another 13 points. Thompson was a game-time decision after missing the Michigan game. He played 25 minutes on Wednesday night.
Notably in common, both teams have home wins against top ranked Purdue. Northwestern dodged any “hangover” effects after their Sunday victory against the #1 Boilermakers. Senior guard Chase Audige lifted the Wildcat offense with an early 3-of-3 from behind the arc against the Hoosiers. He missed 26-of-34 in his previous five games.
One key moment in the game came at the 9-minute mark in the first half. The Hoosiers received a double technical, one on the Indiana bench immediately followed by one on head coach Mike Woodson. That would give Northwestern guard Boo Buie four free attempts at the line. He drained the four ensuing free throws.
Audige and Buie finished the first half with 11 points each.
