Indiana University
20-12, 9-9
Northwestern
15-17, 6-12
Blackmon, Hoosiers Hustle Past Northwestern
3/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
CHICAGO -- The Indiana men's basketball team defeated Northwestern on Thursday night at the United Center, 71-56. James Blackmon Jr. drained five 3-pointers - an IU record for the Big Ten Tournament - to lead the Hoosiers in scoring with 25 points. The 25 points ties Andrae Patterson for most points by an IU player at the Big Ten Tournament, which was set March 5, 1998, against Ohio State.
The Hoosiers regained the lead just over two minutes into the first half, off of a Blackmon three-pointer. Indiana proceeded to rattle off 16 unanswered points to take a 24-6 lead midway through the first half. Thanks to a high-octane defensive effort and a couple hot hands on offense, the Hoosiers held onto the lead for the remainder of the game.
Blackmon led the Hoosiers offensively, going 8-15 from the field and 5-10 from three-point range for 25 points, along with serving seven assists. Yogi Ferrell netted 17 points and five assists, going 7-16 from the field. Emmitt Holt had an efficient performance off the bench with eight points on 4-5 shooting.
Indiana's defense dominated Northwestern throughout the game, led by Troy Williams with 12 rebounds and three blocks. The Hoosiers out-rebounded the Wildcats 42-25, and had as many offensive rebounds (20) as Northwestern had defensive rebounds.
The Hoosiers held a double-digit lead over the Wildcats for the final 32:29 of the game, and led by as many as 18 points.
Indiana's win over Northwestern brings the Hoosiers to 20 wins in the 2014-15 season.
Next up, the Hoosiers will take on the second-seeded Maryland Terrapins in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament. The game will tip off on Friday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Media Contact: J.D. Campbell, jc56@indiana.edu
