IU basketball: Northwestern 76 Indiana 72 — Three keys, highlights, final stats

BLOOMINGTON — Indiana lost to Northwestern in Bloomington on Sunday afternoon by a final score of 76-72.

Northwestern led at halftime 34-26. The Hoosiers were led in the game by Kel’el Ware with 22 points. Mackenzie Mgbako added a career-high 20.

The three keys to the game, highlights and expanded stats are below.

Indiana (14-11, 6-8) will next host Nebraska on Wednesday evening.

THREE KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Northwestern gets more shots. A combination of low Northwestern turnovers (3) and high offensive rebounds (14) led to the Wildcats attempting 12 more shots than Indiana. That gap was much higher, at least as much as 18 at one point, before IU sent Northwestern to the free throw line late while the Hoosiers took desperation shots on the other end. The Hoosiers only had six offensive rebounds and committed 11 turnovers.

2. Threes and frees, again. It’s been on repeat for much of the season — Indiana struggled from three (33 percent) and the free throw line (57 percent) yet again. The 3-point number was inflated late. IU started the game 3-of-13 (23 percent) before making late attempts in the final minutes after falling behind by 14. It was the 16th game this season IU has shot 68.4 percent or worse from the free throw line, and 14th game they’ve been 33 percent or worse from three.

3. Post turnovers as Reneau struggles again. Malik Reneau and Kel’el Ware combined for seven turnovers for Indiana as the Hoosiers struggled against double teams. Clearly once again the focus of an opposing game plan, Reneau fouled out for the second straight contest. He is struggling with double teams, and had four of the miscues. Ware was effective, making 10-0f-14 shots, but as a team Indiana is not taking advantage of doubles when they arrive.

HIGHLIGHTS