IU Basketball Drops Third Straight, Falls to Northwestern

Hoosiers fail to hold double-digit lead in latest home loss

Feb. 25, 2026 at 3:23pm

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Indiana University's men's basketball team lost its third consecutive game on Tuesday, falling 72-68 to Northwestern at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington. The Hoosiers led by as many as 13 points in the first half before the Wildcats rallied to hand IU its third home defeat of the season.

Why it matters

Indiana's struggles at home have been a concerning trend this season, as the Hoosiers have now lost three times at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall after entering the year with high expectations. The team's inability to hold double-digit leads has been a recurring issue that has cost them in key conference matchups.

The details

Indiana led 38-25 with 4:48 remaining in the first half, but was outscored 47-30 the rest of the way as Northwestern mounted a comeback. This follows a similar pattern from IU's January 10 loss to Nebraska, when the Hoosiers blew a 51-35 second-half advantage in an 83-77 defeat.

  • On January 10, Indiana led Nebraska 51-35 with 16:54 to play before losing 83-77.
  • On February 25, Indiana led Northwestern 38-25 with 4:48 left in the first half before falling 72-68.

The players

Indiana University

The men's basketball team of Indiana University, a public research university located in Bloomington, Indiana.

Northwestern

The men's basketball team of Northwestern University, a private research university located in Evanston, Illinois.

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The takeaway

Indiana's inability to protect double-digit leads at home has become a troubling trend this season, and the Hoosiers will need to address this issue if they hope to turn things around and make a push for the NCAA Tournament.