After beating Penn State on Tuesday night, the 15th-seeded Northwestern (14-18, 5-15 B1G) advances to the second round of the Big Ten Tournament and faces No. 10 seed Indiana (18-13, 9-11 B1G) on Wednesday at the United Center, aiming to replicate their impressive comeback victory last month.

Last time, the Wildcats mounted a rally in the second half to beat the Hoosiers 72-68 at Assembly Hall on Feb. 24. After falling behind by double digits in the first half, Northwestern erased the deficit thanks to Nick Martinelli's 28 points and Jake West's 16, including three three-pointers. Arrinten Page provided vital support off the bench with 10 points, six rebounds and four assists, including a momentum-shifting defensive play that led to Martinelli's corner three.

Though Page will continue to sit out tonight, the win boosts Northwestern's confidence heading into the rematch.

Indiana comes into the tournament struggling, dropping five of their last six games to end the regular season. But players like Lamar Wilkerson remain Indiana's top threat, averaging 21.0 points per game and ranking second in the Big Ten behind Martinelli. The fifth-year senior hits 3.3 three-pointers per game, ranking second in the conference. In the last matchup, Wilkerson scored 14 first-half points before Northwestern limited him to just four in the second half, rallying to stop him.

Tucker DeVries adds perimeter shooting, averaging 2.7 three-pointers per game (seventh in the Big Ten). Indiana makes 9.9 threes per game and places fourth for total three-point made in the conference, so Northwestern’s perimeter defense will be key. The Hoosiers also excel from the free-throw line, shooting 78.3% (second in Big Ten). The ‘Cats must stay disciplined defensively to prevent Indiana from getting to the line.

Northwestern must replicate its second-half defensive intensity from the first game, especially in containing Wilkerson. Behind Martinelli’s steady dominance, the team will need others, especially the freshman class, to step out, considering Page’s absence.

#15 Northwestern Wildcats vs. #10 Indiana Hoosiers

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Northwestern Wildcats

Indiana Hoosiers

Northwestern vs. Penn State (March 10)

Indiana vs. Ohio State (March 7)