CHICAGO — No. 10 seed Indiana basketball bowed meekly out of the Big Ten Tournament at its first hurdle Wednesday, losing 74-61 to No. 15 Northwestern, winners of seven straight against IU.
Here’s what I liked and disliked, and what the Hoosiers’ loss means.
What I liked in IU basketball’s loss vs Northwestern in 2026 Big Ten Tournament
What I disliked in IU basketball’s loss vs Northwestern in 2026 Big Ten Tournament
What IU basketball’s loss vs Northwestern in 2026 Big Ten Tournament means
The Hoosiers’ bubble burst in the same building where once they promised so much more. That November rout of Marquette turned out to be the foolest of fool’s gold, and this team too limited to deliver on expectations.
IU can wait for Selection Sunday if it wishes. It’s deeply unlikely good news will find the Hoosiers then. The only thing likely waiting for coach Darian DeVries the other side of this weekend is an offseason of uncomfortable questions, and a restless, disengaging fanbase now far more interested in what happens in fall than in winter.
This is becoming a devilishly difficult circle to square.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Northwestern continues winning streak vs Indiana basketball, possibly ending Hoosiers season
Reporting by Zach Osterman, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
