Northwestern vs. Indiana: Wildcats Poised to Make History

Two years ago, Northwestern secured its longest winning streak in Bloomington. Now, on Tuesday evening, the Wildcats have a golden opportunity to claim their longest-ever winning streak in the 118-year history of the Big Ten series against Indiana. While Indiana historically dominates the series with a 120-57 record, the tide has dramatically turned in recent years.

A Historical Shift in the Rivalry

For decades, Indiana held a firm grip on this rivalry. The Hoosiers didn’t suffer a loss to Northwestern between 1971 and 1981, and again from 1988 to 2003. However, the last five years have witnessed a remarkable shift in momentum. Northwestern currently ties its longest-ever winning run against IU, and a victory on Tuesday would establish an all-time record of six consecutive wins.

Adding to the potential milestone, the Wildcats also aim to extend their winning streak in Bloomington to four games. Indiana hasn’t defeated Northwestern at Assembly Hall since January 2020. Their last triumph over the Wildcats came in 2021 in Evanston, a hard-fought 79-76 victory in double overtime – a result that ultimately marked one of the final successes of the Archie Miller era.

Recent Matchup Recaps

Let’s take a look back at Northwestern’s recent dominance:

• January 22, 2025 – Evanston: Northwestern 79, Indiana 70. The Wildcats showcased exceptional shooting, hitting 13 of 27 from three-point range, and a dominant 21-4 run in the second half sealed the victory.
• February 18, 2024 – Bloomington: Northwestern 76, Indiana 72. Despite a late rally by Indiana, Northwestern maintained control, capitalizing on the Hoosiers’ struggles with three-point and free-throw shooting.
• February 15, 2023 – Evanston: Northwestern 64, Indiana 62. Fueled by technical fouls against the IU bench, Northwestern built a significant halftime lead, holding on despite a spirited comeback attempt by Indiana.
• January 8, 2023 – Bloomington: Northwestern 84, Indiana 83. Indiana mounted a furious comeback from a 14-point deficit in the final four minutes, but ultimately fell short. Jalen Hood-Schifino led the Hoosiers with a career-high 33 points.
• February 8, 2022 – Evanston: Northwestern 59, Indiana 51. This game was marked by controversy as Indiana coach Mike Woodson suspended five players, leading to offensive struggles and a disappointing performance.

Collins’ Success Against the Hoosiers

Northwestern coach Chris Collins boasts a 10-8 career record against Indiana, with a 4-5 mark at Assembly Hall. This ranks as the third-most wins by any active Big Ten head coach within the historic venue. It’s a testament to his strategic approach and the Wildcats’ growing competitiveness in the conference.

The changing dynamics of this rivalry are undeniable. Northwestern is no longer simply a competitor; they are a force to be reckoned with. The game on Tuesday promises to be a thrilling contest with significant implications for both programs.

For complete coverage of IU basketball, visit The Daily Hoosier – “Where Indiana fans assemble when they’re not at Assembly.”