LOS ANGELES – In a thrilling finish, UCLA’s late rally shocked Indiana. With under two minutes left, the Bruins were down by 10. Then, Trent Perry sank a 3-pointer just in time to send the game into overtime. Indiana’s bench watched in disbelief as their near victory slipped away.
The atmosphere in Pauley Pavilion was electric. Jasai Miles had a chance to win it with a full-court shot, but it fell short. As Indiana prepared for overtime, veteran Tucker DeVries reminded his team to stay focused: “Flush it. Next play.” This became their mantra for the next tense moments.
Despite a late-game setback, Indiana showed incredible spirit. They faced not just UCLA’s pressure but also their own challenges. Starting guard Conor Enright fouled out just before regulation ended. With key players sidelined and Reed Bailey also out with fouls, the Hoosiers had to dig deep.
In a remarkable display of teamwork, Indiana fought back through two overtime periods. They trailed at crucial moments but remained relentless. Trent Sisley made a clutch free throw, sealing a thrilling 98-97 win.
Head coach Darian DeVries praised his team’s character after the game. “It showed a lot of guts and poise,” he said. “They were ready when it mattered most.” Each player contributed to the victory, reinforcing the idea that individual stats didn’t matter—teamwork did.
Nick Dorn stood out, scoring a season-high 26 points, while Lamar Wilkerson added crucial points in overtime. Their performance was a testament to their unity. “It shows how connected we are and how we’re growing as a team,” Dorn reflected afterward.
Indiana’s road victory added a significant boost to their season, making it their third conference win against a strong UCLA team that was unbeaten at home. Players celebrated together, grateful for the support from fans in the stands.
Earlier in the week, Indiana also secured a win against No. 12 Purdue, underscoring their improvement. As DeVries pointed out, their focus now shifts to the next challenge, a game against Southern California (USC) on Tuesday. This is another chance to build on their recent successes.
What stands out about this Indiana team is their resilience. Even when faced with difficult moments, they pushed through. This drive may influence their future in the NCAA tournament. Collectively, they’ve demonstrated that they can rise to the occasion, one game at a time.
As they prepare for USC, they’ll live by their mantra: “Flush it. Next play.” This mindset reflects their commitment to growth and teamwork.
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