MILWAUKEE – IU Indy used a resilient fourth-quarter surge and clutch overtime performance to earn an 80-77 win at Milwaukee on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 28), securing the No. 7 seed in the upcoming Horizon League Tournament. The Jaguars close the regular season at 13-16 overall and 9-11 in league play and will open tournament action on Wednesday, March 4 at No. 4 Northern Kentucky.
 
Saturday's contest featured 12 lead changes and nine ties as the Jaguars finished with 46 points in the paint and 22 points off turnovers in the hard-fought road victory.
 
IU Indy set the tone early, shooting 54.5 percent in the opening frame to build a 17-11 advantage after one. Olivia Smith scored the game's first basket and Destini Craig established her presence inside as the Jaguars closed the quarter on a 6-0 spurt to seize control.
 
The Jaguars continued their efficient offensive play in the second, connecting on 50 percent from the floor to carry a 36-27 lead into halftime. Craig sparked the surge with multiple finishes in the paint, while Nevaeh Foster knocked down a late three-pointer and Julia Hall converted in transition in the closing seconds to stretch the cushion to nine.
 
Milwaukee flipped the momentum coming out of the break, limiting IU Indy to just 1-of-11 shooting in the period. The Panthers used a 21-7 quarter to take a 48-43 lead into the fourth, forcing the Jaguars to regroup heading into the final 10 minutes.
 
IU Indy responded with poise, shooting nearly 53 percent in the fourth and going a perfect 7-for-7 at the free throw line. Craig continued to attack the rim as the Jaguars battled back and eventually forced overtime when Milwaukee hit a three in the final seconds to knot the score at 68-68.
 
In the extra session, the Jaguars delivered key plays on both ends. Hailey Smith and Craig combined for crucial baskets in the paint, while Sydney Bolden went 2-of-2 at the line in overtime, including the final free throw with two seconds left to seal the 80-77 victory.
 
Craig led IU Indy with 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting and added eight rebounds in 29 minutes. Olivia Smith finished with 11 points and six boards, while Hailey Smith added 10 points. Bolden provided a major lift off the bench with 10 points, hitting 8-of-10 at the foul line, including clutch free throws late. Adams chipped in nine points and Foster contributed seven points and five rebounds as the Jaguars' depth produced 25 bench points in the win.
 
With the regular season complete, IU Indy now turns its attention to postseason play as the No. 7 seed in the Horizon League Tournament, beginning Wednesday, March 4 at Northern Kentucky.