Northwestern 78, Indiana 61
Here’s how you know it’s not the same old Northwestern basketball: The Wildcats started Sunday’s game with a thunderous dunk and closed out the first half with a big-time slam.
Here’s also how you know: This was NU’s third consecutive victory over Indiana, and the Wildcats don’t consider that a big deal.
“No, I didn’t know it until you said it,” coach Bill Carmody told a reporter.
Northwestern has a larger, more obvious goal. And this 78-61 victory was another solid step toward an NCAA tournament bid. “We’re in a stretch where we have to win four, five [or] six in a row,” Carmody said. “I like where we are right now.”
NU swingman Jeremy Nash was more bold: “We know we can challenge any team in the country. … The thing about this team is, everyone can do something special.”
Northwestern improved to 16-7 overall and 5-6 in the Big Ten by jumping out to a 21-6 lead and keeping the Hoosiers at arm’s length.