Full Breakdown
Indiana Hoosiers Edge UCLA Bruins in Thrilling Double Overtime
2/1/2026, 4:17:17 AM
Game Overview: A Hard-Fought Battle
On January 31, 2026, the Indiana Hoosiers secured a dramatic 98-97 victory over the UCLA Bruins in a double overtime thriller at Pauley Pavilion. The game featured 13 ties and 15 lead changes, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams. Indiana, now 15-7 overall and 6-5 in Big Ten play, overcame a late-game collapse to emerge victorious, handing UCLA its first home loss of the season, dropping them to 15-7 and 7-4 in the conference.
Key Moments and Turning Points
Indiana initially struggled offensively, trailing 36-30 at halftime after a lackluster first half where they shot just 37% from the field. However, the Hoosiers rallied in the second half, led by junior guard Nick Dorn, who scored 26 points, including 21 in the second half. Indiana built a 10-point lead with under two minutes left in regulation, but UCLA mounted a comeback, outscoring the Hoosiers 15-5 in the final 1:50. Trent Perry's three-pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining tied the game at 76, forcing overtime.
In the first overtime, Indiana faced further challenges as key players fouled out, including Reed Bailey and Conor Enright. Despite this, the Hoosiers managed to tie the game again at 84-84, thanks to a layup from Sam Alexis. The second overtime saw Indiana's Trent Sisley draw a foul with just 0.3 seconds left, converting one free throw to seal the win.
Player Performances
Dorn's standout performance was complemented by Reed Bailey and Lamar Wilkerson, who each contributed 24 points. Bailey also recorded six rebounds and five assists before fouling out. Wilkerson played a crucial role in the overtime periods, demonstrating resilience and scoring ability under pressure. For UCLA, Trent Perry led the team with 25 points, while Donovan Dent added 24 points and 11 assists, showcasing their offensive capabilities despite the loss.
Coaching Perspectives
Indiana head coach Darian DeVries praised his team's effort, highlighting their ability to adapt and overcome adversity, especially with several players in unfamiliar roles due to foul trouble. "Road wins are incredibly hard... to still be able to come back in overtime and fight your way to a second overtime and then come away with a win, I just think it says a lot about those guys," DeVries stated.
UCLA coach Mick Cronin acknowledged the challenges his team faced, particularly in the final moments of regulation and overtime. He noted the importance of maintaining composure under pressure, which ultimately led to their defeat.
Implications and What's Next
This victory marks Indiana's third consecutive win, significantly boosting their NCAA Tournament resume with two Quadrant 1 victories in a week. The Hoosiers will look to continue their momentum in their next game against USC on February 3, 2026. Meanwhile, UCLA will aim to rebound against Rutgers on the same day, as they seek to regain their footing in the competitive Big Ten landscape.
Conclusion
The thrilling double overtime clash between Indiana and UCLA not only showcased the talent and determination of both teams but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of college basketball. As the season progresses, both teams will need to address their late-game execution to enhance their chances for postseason success.
