3 Takeaways From IU Women's Basketball 68-64 Win Vs. Northwestern

Hoosier Improve To 11-4 Overall And 3-1 In The League

Welsh Ryan Arena Indiana Played Northwestern On Wednesday Night

Should Men’s And Women’s Game At Same School Go Head-To-Head At Same Time

Evanston Ill.-The IU women tipped off in Evanston at 8 pm Eastern time vs. Northwestern. Meanwhile, the Indiana men tipped off an hour earlier at Assembly Hall in Bloomington.

While TV drives many of these decisions, the increased popularity of the women’s game and the Big Ten trying to drive more viewers to watch both genders presents this issue now more than ever. However, when either contest airs on a streaming service as the Hoosier road tilt did, the start time can be variable.

This overlap is further exacerbated when there is a showdown in the Chicago area where many Hoosier alum live. As a result, these supporters get no more than one chance a season per squad to watch their alma mater locally, forcing supporters to make a choice.

Either way though, the state of Indiana had a strong evening. The men were on the positive side of an 82-69 score while the women pulled out a 68-64 victory. Also, the IU success extended to the NBA. Just upstate, alum Thomas Bryant had a huge night for the local professional squad in the Pacers with 22 points in a 129-113 victory.

Post Play Vs. Power Five Squads Continues To Be A Problem

While Mackenzie Holmes’ elite play cannot be replaced, the bigs’ struggles against squads on the top level continue to be glaring. New centers Lily Meister and Karoline Striplin still are producing at a lower-than-needed clip. Both the offensive and defensive ends are a problem.

The Wildcats as a whole got more production from Caleigh Walsh and Taylor Williams than the Hoosiers did from Meister and Striplin. The former duo got inside very easily at times while combining for 27 points. Meanwhile, the Indiana backcourt had just 23 points while blowing several layups.

With far tougher competition coming, this area must improve for success in the conference and a sixth straight trip to the NCAA Tournament. It nearly cost the Hoosiers tonight against a far inferior opponent and almost certainly will going forward if improvement does not occur.

Hoosiers Still On Schedule For NCAA Tournament But Tonight Must Be The Aberration

A Northwestern team that is arguably the worst in the Big Ten, had a lead late in this one. If not for a clutch three from Shay Ciezki to put the Hoosiers up by 2 with 1:05 left and a Meister layup shortly after, this could have been a disastrous result for IU instead of closing out a great escape with free throws.

Also, the metrics will not like a much closer-than-expected score for Indiana and this effort will get you beat in league play most nights. However, it was enough on Wednesday. As a result, IU improved to 11-4 overall and 3-1 in the league to keep them on schedule for postseason play again.

IU coach Teri Moren said while she is pleased with the victory, she realizes improvement is needed.

“Winning is hard,” Moren said. “We’ve got to be so much better but we’re happy we’re getting out of here with a win tonight.”

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