Northwestern Wildcats Edge Indiana Hoosiers in 72-68 Upset, Damaging NCAA Tournament Hopes
Bloomington, Ind. – The Northwestern Wildcats secured a 72-68 road victory over the Indiana Hoosiers on Tuesday night, dealing a significant blow to Indiana’s NCAA Tournament aspirations. Senior forward Nick Martinelli led all scorers with 28 points, while Jake West added 16 for the Wildcats.
Second-Half Surge Propels Northwestern
Northwestern (12-16, 4-13 Big Ten) outscored Indiana 39-26 in the second half, overcoming an earlier deficit. Martinelli scored 21 of his 28 points after halftime, fueling the Wildcats’ comeback. Indiana struggled offensively in the final 20 minutes, going over nine minutes without a field goal late in the game.
Hoosiers’ Offensive Struggles
Indiana (17-11, 8-9 Big Ten) saw its offense falter after a strong first half, shooting just 2-of-12 from three-point range in the second half compared to 8-of-16 in the first. Lamar Wilkerson led the Hoosiers with 18 points, followed by Tayton Conerway with 14, Sam Alexis with 13, and Tucker DeVries with 11.
Key Moments and Controversies
A late-game push by Northwestern, highlighted by a seven-point run from Martinelli, proved decisive. Indiana players, including Conerway and DeVries, believed they were fouled while shooting in the closing seconds, but no calls were made.
Statistical Highlights
Northwestern held a +7 rebounding advantage over Indiana. Martinelli added five rebounds and three assists to his scoring performance. West contributed by sinking 3-of-5 three-point attempts and converting four free throws in the final moments to seal the victory. Indiana shot 46% from the field while Northwestern shot 48%.
Looking Ahead
Indiana (17-11, 8-9 Big Ten) will host No. 13 Michigan State on Sunday. Northwestern’s next game is yet to be determined. This win marks Northwestern’s sixth consecutive victory over Indiana and their fourth straight win in Assembly Hall.
Game Information
Date: February 24, 2026
Location: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Indiana
Final Score: Northwestern 72, Indiana 68