No. 25 Indiana Continues To Impress, Rolls Over Northwestern 89-57 F

No. 25 Indiana continues to shut the door on The Big Ten Conference with their monstrous win over Northwestern, 89-57.

(Brent Yarina, BTN)

BLOOMINGTON | IN – Coming into Saturday, Northwestern prior in the week took No. 7 Maryland into overtime which served as a focus point for Indiana. The Northwestern Wildcats have surprised all Big Ten fans this year with their impressive non-conference record, and holding their own in the conference.

This was not the case Saturday at Assembly Hall, where No. 25 Indiana continued to roll winning their 12th straight game and continue to stay undefeated at home. This is the longest winning streak under Head Coach Tom Crean, in 2011-2012 the Hoosiers started their season 12-0.

Just a few days prior, Indiana comes out breaking a school and conference record with 19 three pointers, in this game it was much of the same as they made 13.

Yogi Ferrell lead Indiana with 17 points, 6 assists as the Hoosiers set to make their presence known in the Big Ten Conference. At times, Ferrell looked absolutely unbeatable with the ball draining a step back three in the second half to increase IU’s lead to 24.

Colin Hartman, Robert Johnson, and Max Bielfeldt provided some insurance to the team by stepping up in each of their own ways. Hartman with 11 points, Johnson with 9, and Bielfeldt 13.

Indiana started the game on a 10-0 run and did not even let the Wildcats back into the game, the closest it ever got was 4 points early. If Indiana can continue the road they are on with the hot hands from the three point arch, this team is set to make an incredible run throughout the next few months.

X-Factor

Although No. 25 Indiana rolled over Northwestern by 32, there were a few points that could be cause for concern moving ahead in the schedule. Thomas Bryant had a quiet game with only 7 points and 2 rebounds, while Northwestern’s Centers Alex Olah and Dererk Pardon combined for 28 points and 6 rebounds.

If Indiana wants to continue to have success, they will need to find a way to get Thomas Bryant involved as well as play versatile defense down low. Giving up 28 points to the two big men is a red flag, especially with an undersized team such as the Hoosiers.

Indiana is set to take on Wisconsin (11-9, 3-4 Big Ten) Tuesday night in Madison.

Written by Jordan Maly