Indiana 63, Northwestern 62: Three Things

After another sloppy start for the Hoosiers, Indiana seemingly found itself with five minutes remaining in the first half. This is when a strong overall defensive output helped spark a 22-0 run to end the half. Of course, you can’t go without mentioning the way in which that run ended, as Devonte Green pretty much pulled up from Juneau, Alaska to knockdown a buzzer beating three.

From there Indiana went back to its normal struggles in the 2nd half, letting Bryant McIntosh do whatever he wanted. Thanks to double-digit turnovers and some aimless offensive possessions, the Hoosiers found themselves down 54-48 with seven minutes remaining in the game. It was all pretty much over until...

BY GOD! THAT’S TIM PRILLER’S MUSIC!

With five minutes remaining in the game, Indiana great Tim Priller checked into the game and grabbed a rebound. That’s all he really did, but somehow it sparked an 8-0 run to end the game.

With 38.6 seconds to play, James Blackmon Jr. hit another one of those clutch three’s that he likes to hit and cut the deficit to 62-60. From there, after a tight defensive stop, James Blackmon Jr. quickly drove down the court to find Thomas Bryant with three seconds remaining. Bryant took the ball, did what tall people do, and dunked it.

Of course, to the dismay of many, Bryant was fouled on the dunk and the rest was history. Indiana pulled out the 63 to 62 victory.

Here are three things that stood out:

“Runnin' runnin', and runnin' runnin', and runnin' runnin', and running runnin' and...”-The Black Eyed Peas

There has to be some sort of explanation for why this game consisted of back and forth run after run, but I don’t have that explanation. With 10 minutes remaining in the first half, Northwestern went on an 11-0 run. Then Indiana doubled that and went on a 22-0 run. Northwestern then responded in the second half with a 21-4 run, and finally, Indiana ended the game on an 8-0 run to win the game.

Of course college basketball is described to be a game of runs, but something about tonight felt extra absurd. It felt like a perfect summation for Indiana’s season. Constantly showing signs of potential greatness, followed by spurts of futility.

Turnovers and lackadaisical defense is going to result in runs, but tonight felt a little extra.

Should Tim Priller have played all season?

No.

What does this mean?

Indiana won a close game against an above-average Big Ten opponent. That’s really it. There is nothing too great to look into here. The Hoosiers played hard at times and showed more spurts of glory, but in the end they could only outlast the Wildcats by a point.

Can Indiana still make the tournament?

Mathematically, sure. If Indiana somehow beats Purdue and makes a run in the Big Ten Tournament, then I guess they have a chance. Everyone still has a chance with this bubble.

Is Indiana destined for the NIT?

Probably...

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Bonus Thing: Ayyyy your boy Collin Hartman is getting married

Collin may be leaving, or he may be coming back. Either way, the man will go down as a legend for this post-game move. Quite the power-move Mr. Hartman. Also quite the humble brag. (Video courtesy of Tricia Whitaker of Fox 59 Indy)