IU Basketball Pulls Off Epic Double Overtime Comeback Win at UCLA

Five key moments from the thrilling 98-97 victory over the Bruins

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:28pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors representing the dynamic energy and competing perspectives of a high-stakes college basketball game.A cubist interpretation of the intense, back-and-forth action that defined the thrilling double-overtime battle between IU and UCLA.Westwood Today

In a game that went to double overtime, the Indiana University basketball team staged a dramatic comeback to defeat UCLA 98-97 at Pauley Pavilion. The Hoosiers overcame a halftime deficit, led by standout performances from several players, including Nick Dorn, Reed Bailey, and Lamar Wilkerson. The game came down to the wire, with freshman Trent Sisley hitting the game-winning free throw in the final seconds.

Why it matters

This victory showcases the depth and resilience of the IU basketball team, which has now won three straight games. However, the game was not without controversy, as some of the Hoosiers' key plays and the final outcome have sparked debate about the role of skill versus luck. This thrilling matchup between two college basketball powerhouses will surely be remembered for its intensity and dramatic finish.

The details

Trailing by six at halftime, IU needed a spark in the second half, and Nick Dorn provided it. The junior guard scored 26 points, including five 3-pointers, to keep the Hoosiers in the game. Reed Bailey also had a standout performance off the bench, scoring 24 points on 6-of-7 shooting and going 12-of-13 from the free-throw line. Lamar Wilkerson, IU's leading scorer, struggled with efficiency but came up big in the two overtime periods, scoring 10 of his 24 points. Tucker DeVries filled up the stat sheet with 10 rebounds and 7 assists, though he had a quiet scoring night. In the end, it was freshman Trent Sisley who hit the game-winning free throw with 0.3 seconds left to secure the victory for the Hoosiers.

  • The game was played on April 9, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Westwood, California.
  • IU trailed by 6 points at halftime.

The players

Nick Dorn

A junior guard for IU who scored 26 points, including 5 3-pointers, to keep the Hoosiers in the game.

Reed Bailey

A 6-foot-10 senior forward for IU who came off the bench to score 24 points on 6-of-7 shooting and grab 6 rebounds.

Lamar Wilkerson

IU's leading scorer, who had 24 points, including 10 in the two overtime periods to lead the Hoosiers' comeback.

Tucker DeVries

A fifth-year senior guard for IU who had a quiet scoring night but contributed 10 rebounds and 7 assists.

Trent Sisley

A freshman for IU who hit the game-winning free throw with 0.3 seconds left to secure the victory.

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What they’re saying

“Nick Dorn's confidence and fit within our spacing system was crucial in keeping us in the game.”

— Darian DeVries, IU Head Coach

“Reed Bailey's impact goes beyond just scoring - his defense and all-around play are often overlooked.”

— Darian DeVries, IU Head Coach

What’s next

The Hoosiers will look to build on this thrilling victory as they continue their Big Ten conference play. Their next game is scheduled for April 12th against Michigan State.

The takeaway

This game showcased the depth and resilience of the IU basketball team, as they were able to overcome a halftime deficit and prevail in a double-overtime thriller. While the final outcome has sparked debate about the role of skill versus luck, there's no denying the Hoosiers' determination and the standout performances from several key players.