In a game that will be remembered for its back-and-forth action, Indiana University, Bloomington edged out UCLA 98-97 at Pauley Pavilion. The Hoosiers' victory was fueled by a strong performance from Nick Dorn, who scored 26 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Dorn's effort was matched by UCLA's Trent Perry, who led the Bruins with 25 points and 7 rebounds of his own.
The game was a high-scoring affair from the start, with UCLA taking a 36-30 lead into halftime. However, Indiana came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Bruins 46-40 to take a narrow lead into the final minutes. The Hoosiers' Lamar Wilkerson and Reed Bailey played crucial roles in the second-half surge, combining for 36 points and 14 rebounds.
Despite being predicted to win by 2.9 points by CHD Scout, UCLA was unable to close out the game. The Bruins' Donovan Dent had a strong all-around performance, scoring 24 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing out 11 assists, but it was not enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Hoosiers.
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The game featured multiple lead changes and ties, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage until the final buzzer. In the end, it was Indiana's ability to score from both inside and outside that was the difference. The Hoosiers' victory was a significant one, as it marked a Quadrant 1 win for the team.
For UCLA, the loss was a Quadrant 2 defeat, which could have implications for the team's tournament resume. The Bruins' current net ranking of 40 will likely take a hit, while Indiana's net ranking of 32 will likely improve. The Hoosiers' win over a strong UCLA team will be a valuable addition to their resume, and could help to bolster their case for a high seed in the tournament.
The outcome of the game was a reflection of the strength and depth of both teams. With multiple players on each side scoring in double figures, it was clear that this was a matchup between two of the nation's top programs. In the end, Indiana's ability to perform under pressure and make clutch plays late was the deciding factor.
As the season wears on, the implications of this result will become clearer. For now, it is clear that Indiana has established itself as a force to be reckoned with, and will be a team to watch in the tournament. The Hoosiers' resume now boasts a significant Quadrant 1 win, which will undoubtedly help their chances of securing a favorable seed.