Northwestern Falls To Indiana In Final Seconds
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — Thomas Bryant completed a 3-point play with 2.6 seconds left Saturday night and James Blackmon Jr. finished with 13 points to help Indiana rally from a seven-point deficit in the final 93 seconds to beat Northwestern, 63-62.
The win snapped a five-game losing streak and was the only time Indiana (16-13, 6-10 Big Ten) led in the final 13½ minutes.
Bryant McIntosh scored 22 points for Northwestern (20-9, 9-7) but just missed a half-court heave at the buzzer to win it.
The Hoosiers seemed to take control with a 22-0 run to close the first half — the last coming on Devonte Green's heave from 60 feet that made it 36-26.
But after retaking the lead with a 17-3 second-half run and taking a 62-55 lead with 1:33 left, Northwestern didn't score again.
Blackmon's 3-pointer with 38.6 seconds left made it 62-60 and Bryant won it with a fortuitous bounce on the free throw.
Bryant finished with 11 points and six rebounds.
Scottie Lindsey finished with 13 points and Derek Pardon had 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Wildcats, who lost their second straight.
Northwestern looked like it would cruise when it jumped to a 26-14 lead with 5:29 left in the first half but didn't score again until McIntosh opened the second half with a layup.
Then it all happened again in the second half.
Lindsey's jumper gave the Wildcats a 42-41 lead and they led the rest of the game until Bryant's 3-point play.
BIG PICTURE
Northwestern: Just a few weeks ago, the Wildcats looked like a lock to make their first NCAA Tournament. But now they've lost five of seven and two in a row against teams in the lower half of the conference standings. With two home games remaining, the Wildcats need to get things righted quickly.
Indiana: Yes, the losing streak is finally over but the fallout may only be beginning. With two road games left before the Big Ten tourney, the Hoosiers cannot afford another loss — if they want any chance of making the NCAA Tournament. It won't be easy, but at least they've stopped the skid.
UP NEXT
Northwestern: Tries to rebound Wednesday at home against Michigan.
Indiana: Will try to avoid a season sweep when it visits rival Purdue on Tuesday.
Copyright 2017 The Associated Press.