In a thrilling matchup at Welsh-Ryan Arena, Northwestern's basketball team showcased an exceptional shooting display to secure a 79-70 victory over Indiana on Wednesday night. Despite the Hoosiers' valiant effort, they fell short in their attempt to break a five-game losing streak against the Wildcats. The game saw Northwestern significantly improve its long-range accuracy, hitting a season-high 13 three-pointers and shooting 48.1% from beyond the arc. Key players like Ty Berry and Jalen Leach played pivotal roles, while Indiana’s Mackenzie Mgbako provided a late surge that nearly closed the gap.

The Wildcats entered the contest with a modest 31.5% shooting average for the season but demonstrated remarkable precision during this encounter. In the second half, Northwestern unleashed nine three-pointers, including four consecutive shots in the final six minutes, which extended their lead to 14 points. Senior Ty Berry led the charge with 23 points, setting a personal record with seven three-pointers. Jalen Leach also contributed significantly by converting all three of his attempts from downtown in the second half. This offensive surge proved too much for Indiana to handle, despite their efforts to mount a comeback.

The first half was a tale of resilience for the Hoosiers. Trailing by 10 points early, they managed to turn the tide with an impressive 18-2 run. Trey Galloway's floater gave Indiana its first lead of the game, sparking cheers from the crowd. However, both teams struggled offensively, shooting under 40% and combining for 15 turnovers. Mackenzie Mgbako, who had been in a shooting slump, found his rhythm and scored nine of his 20 points in the final two minutes, almost making it a close finish.

Indiana coach Mike Woodson made strategic adjustments during the game, deviating from his usual playbook. He allowed Luke Goode and Myles Rice to play despite having only two fouls each, a move that helped stabilize the team as they tried to erase the deficit. Additionally, Malik Reneau, returning from a knee injury, saw some action at center, though he appeared less than fully recovered. His limited playing time highlighted the cautious approach taken by the coaching staff as he works back to full fitness.

Northwestern's performance marked a significant turnaround from their earlier struggles. Midway through the first half, Ty Berry's scoring burst seemed poised to blow the game open. However, Indiana responded resiliently, leading to a tightly contested match. Ultimately, Northwestern's superior shooting, especially in the second half, sealed their victory, demonstrating their ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.