Here are some thoughts on Indiana’s thrilling 98-97 double overtime victory against UCLA:
In the first half, Indiana struggled on offense at Pauley Pavilion. UCLA’s defense was tough, especially beyond the 3-point line. Indiana’s best stretch came during a 12-0 run that gave them a brief 22-16 lead. But overall, UCLA controlled the half. Indiana shot just 10-for-27 from the field and made only 5 of 15 three-point attempts, while also committing six turnovers. Reed Bailey’s 10 points and Lamar Wilkerson’s 9 points were the only bright spots for Indiana in a half where they trailed 36-30.
Things began to change in the second half. Nick Dorn came out firing, scoring 8 of Indiana’s first 10 points. By the under-12 media timeout, Indiana had taken the lead, 49-47. A driving dunk from Reed Bailey gave them a four-point lead at 56-52 with 8:04 left in the game. Indiana built a 10-point lead at 66-56, thanks to a three-pointer from Wilkerson. But UCLA wasn’t done yet; Tyler Bilodeau quickly responded with a three-pointer of his own.
With 1:50 left, Dorn’s sixth three-pointer extended Indiana’s lead to 10 at 71-61. But UCLA added a free throw and a layup, cutting Indiana’s lead to 71-64. A tense back-and-forth ensued, with both teams trading fouls and free throws. Eventually, UCLA managed to tie the game at 75. A missed chance for Indiana led to a 3-pointer from Perry, sending the game into overtime.
In the first overtime, UCLA led 81-78 at one point. But Indiana rallied, scoring six of the last nine points to tie the game at 84. The second overtime was intense. With the score tied at 97 and only 1.5 seconds left, Trent Sisley was fouled after an inbounds play. He made one free throw to secure the victory.
Standout performers included Nick Dorn, who led Indiana with 26 points, making 6 of 15 three-pointers. Reed Bailey contributed 24 points, along with six rebounds and five assists, before fouling out. Wilkerson also had 24 points and eight rebounds, playing a crucial role in the overtime periods.
Statistically, Indiana finished the game shooting 31-for-38 from the free-throw line. They outperformed UCLA in points off turnovers, winning that battle 17-9. The Hoosiers totaled 27 bench points, showcasing solid contributions from their substitutes.
Next up, Indiana travels to face USC at the Galen Center. The tip-off is set for 10 p.m. ET.
This game is a reminder of how unpredictable college basketball can be. Just a few years ago, Indiana struggled to compete with top teams like UCLA. This season, they’ve shown they can win under pressure. It’s a thrill for fans and a testament to the team’s growth and resilience.
For more insights and detailed stats, check out [Inside the Hall](https://www.insidethehall.com).
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