Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
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Indiana
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No. 21 'Cats Stumble Late Against No. 16 Hoosiers
1/24/2021 1:09:00 PM | Women's Basketball
EVANSTON, Ill. – No. 21 Northwestern battled against No. 16 Indiana, but were unable to hold on and fell in the final quarter 74-61.
Four 'Cats found double digits and junior Veronica Burton led with 17. Senior Lindsey Pulliam followed with 15, while fellow senior Jordan Hamilton and junior Sydney Wood chipped in 13 and 12 respectively. Pulliam led the 'Cats with nine rebounds, just short of a double-double.
Northwestern hit a season high in free-throw percentage, going 19 of 23 from the charity stripe. As usual the Wildcats capitalized off turnovers and pushed the pace, posting 17 points off turnovers and 20 fast-break points
Burton opened up scoring for Northwestern in transition with a quick layup. The two teams were tied for much of the first quarter. Wood hit her second three of the season to help the 'Cats gain a slim lead with a minute left on the clock. Burton and Pulliam used Wood's momentum and put up six quick points to end the quarter 21-16.
The second quarter was as hotly contested as the first, with the two teams trading points and possessions. Pulliam took the charge on the offensive end, putting up seven points for the 'Cats. Northwestern ended the first half 36-33, carrying some momentum into the third frame.
Hamilton continued Northwestern's success and pushed the pace early in the third with a three-point play. The 'Cats followed Hamilton's example and went on a 10-0 run, with every guard finding the basket and forcing a Hoosier timeout. They came out of the timeout with a response and slowly chipped away at a huge Northwestern lead, but the 'Cats were able to go into the fourth with a six-point lead.
The Hoosiers were able to tie it up early in the final frame and Northwestern was unable to find a response. Indiana went on to take the lead on a huge fourth quarter run, while the 'Cats struggled to find the basket. The Wildcats were unable to make up the large deficit with three minutes left to play and Indiana found a win.
Northwestern will hit the road once more on Thursday for its second matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes. The tip is set for 5 p.m. CT on Big Ten Network.
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