Indiana Basketball Stumbles Against Northwestern in 72-68 Loss

Hoosiers blow second-half lead, fall victim to questionable officiating in latest defeat

Feb. 25, 2026 at 2:34am

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The Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball team suffered a disappointing 72-68 loss to the Northwestern Wildcats on Tuesday night at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington. After building a double-digit lead early in the second half, the Hoosiers collapsed, going scoreless for over nine minutes as Northwestern rallied back. The game also featured several controversial calls down the stretch that drew the ire of Indiana head coach Darian DeVries.

Why it matters

This loss is a significant setback for Indiana's NCAA Tournament hopes, as they had a chance to get back on track after recent blowout defeats against Illinois and Purdue. The Hoosiers have now lost three straight games and continue to struggle to close out contests with double-digit leads, an issue that has plagued them throughout the season.

The details

Indiana led by as many as 12 points in the first half and held a 9-point advantage less than six minutes into the second half. However, the Hoosiers went cold, missing 11 consecutive shots as Northwestern stormed back. Wildcats senior guard Nick Martinelli scored a game-high 28 points, while freshman Jake West added 16. In the final minute, there were two questionable non-calls that angered Indiana's bench, including a potential foul on a 3-point attempt by Tucker DeVries.

  • Indiana led by 12 points in the first half.
  • Indiana led by 9 points less than six minutes into the second half.
  • Indiana went scoreless for over nine-and-a-half minutes in the second half.

The players

Darian DeVries

The head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball team.

Tayton Conerway

A sixth-year senior guard for the Indiana Hoosiers.

Tucker DeVries

A sixth-year senior forward for the Indiana Hoosiers.

Nick Martinelli

A senior guard for the Northwestern Wildcats who scored a game-high 28 points.

Jake West

A freshman guard for the Northwestern Wildcats who scored 16 points.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.