Indiana Triumphs Over UCLA in Double Overtime
In a thrilling encounter at Pauley Pavilion, Indiana triumphed over UCLA with a narrow 98-97 victory, marking the end of the Bruins’ impressive home winning streak that had stretched across 14 games. The game culminated in double overtime after both teams exchanged leads, showcasing a fierce contest on the court. Trent Sisley played a pivotal role, sinking a crucial free throw with less than one second left on the clock to seal the win for the Hoosiers.
Standout Performers
Nick Dorn was a standout performer for Indiana, contributing a season-high 26 points, including six 3-pointers, reinforcing the team’s third consecutive win following a challenging four-game stretch without victory. Lamar Wilkerson also shone brightly, recording 24 points alongside eight rebounds, while Reed Bailey added 24 points before fouling out in the tense overtime moments. Notably, Bailey had an impressive shooting performance, hitting six of his seven attempts from the floor and converting twelve out of thirteen at the charity stripe, despite one missed free throw that allowed Trent Perry to tie the game at 76 in regulation with a pivotal 3-pointer.
UCLA’s Key Players
Perry was a key player for the Bruins, leading the team with 25 points and successfully finishing all ten of his free throw attempts. Alongside him, Donovan Dent secured 24 points and collected 11 rebounds, though he fouled out in the closing seconds of the second overtime after being pivotal in keeping the game competitive. Tyler Bilodeau contributed as well with 18 points and another 11 rebounds before his disqualification.
Dramatic Momentum Swings
The contest was marked by dramatic momentum swings. UCLA built a 38-30 lead by halftime, but Indiana clawed their way back, with Dorn’s 3-pointer shifting the advantage to 45-43 midway through the second half. Despite facing a ten-point deficit, UCLA fiercely rallied, outscoring Indiana 15-5 near the end of regulation to force overtime. Notably, this match was UCLA’s first home overtime game in four years and their first double overtime match in over a decade.
Looking Ahead
As the teams gear up for their next matchups, Indiana will head to Southern California on Tuesday, while UCLA prepares to host Rutgers the same day. This exciting clash not only showcased remarkable individual talent but also set the stage for heated conference competition in the coming weeks.
