Box Score EVANSTON, Ill. – The IU Indy women's basketball team had an impressive showing against Big Ten opponent Northwestern, narrowly falling 67–64 Wednesday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Despite a strong second-half surge, the Jaguars came up just short in their bid for an early-season upset.
IU Indy came out with poise on the road, trading baskets early and holding their own defensively.
Hailey Smith and
Sydney Bolden found early success attacking the rim, helping the Jaguars keep pace with the Wildcats. Northwestern led 14–11 after the opening frame as both teams struggled to find rhythm offensively.
The Jaguars' defense continued to shine, forcing eight Northwestern turnovers in the second quarter.
E'Zaria Adams provided a spark off the bench with key free throws and a late layup, while
Nevaeh Foster's steal and fast-break bucket before halftime trimmed the deficit to just three. IU Indy trailed 26–23 at the break.
IU Indy found its offensive groove coming out of the locker room, posting 19 points in the third quarter. Adams and
Destini Craig hit from deep to give the Jaguars their first lead since the opening minutes, while
Olivia Smith's steady play kept the pressure on Northwestern. After a buzzer beater layup from
Olivia Smith, the Wildcats clung to a slim 46–42 advantage heading to the fourth.
The Jaguars refused to go away, erupting for 22 points in a back-and-forth final frame. With the ball late in the game, Craig sunk the layup to give the Jags a one point lead at 63-62 with 19 seconds. The Wildcats' Xamiya Walton gave Northwestern the lead back after sinking a three. The Jags attempted to steal the lead back with one last play but Northwestern held on at the free-throw line to escape with the 67–64 win.
Adams and Craig led the Jaguars with 13 points apiece, while Bolden added 11 and
Olivia Smith and
Hailey Smith each added 10. IU Indy forced 19 turnovers and collected 13 steals in a gritty team effort that showcased its depth and defensive intensity to start the season.
IU Indy will now return to Indianapolis to host the Ball State Cardinals in the Jungle on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 1:00 PM.
