MARCH MADNESS MAGIC: IU’s Trey Galloway Hits Game-Winner to Clinch Tournament Berth!

BLOOMINGTON, IN – In a heart-stopping finale to their regular season, the Indiana Hoosiers secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament courtesy of a thrilling 78-75 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats. The sold-out crowd at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall witnessed a masterpiece of clutch shooting, as senior guard Trey Galloway sank a game-winning three-pointer with just 1.2 seconds remaining on the clock.

Trailing by as many as 10 points in the second half, the Hoosiers staged a remarkable comeback, fueled by Galloway’s career-high 25 points. The Indianapolis native, who has been a mainstay in IU’s lineup throughout his five-year tenure, etched his name into Hoosier lore with the decisive shot.

“I’ve been in those situations before, but this one was different,” Galloway said in the post-game press conference, still beaming with excitement. “My teammates trusted me to make the play, and I’m just glad I could come through for them.”

With the score tied at 75-75 and only seconds left to play, IU coach Mike Woodson drew up a play designed to free Galloway for a shot. The senior guard used a ball screen to shake his defender, before rising above the outstretched arms of a Wildcats defender to release the game-winning shot.

As the ball dropped through the net, the Assembly Hall erupted into pandemonium, with Galloway’s teammates mobbing him in celebration. The victory marked IU’s 20th win of the season, securing their spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” said Woodson, who has guided the Hoosiers to a remarkable turnaround in his first season at the helm. “These kids have worked so hard all year, and to see them rewarded with an NCAA Tournament berth is just amazing.”

The Hoosiers will now await their seeding and opponent for the NCAA Tournament, which begins next week. With their tournament fate secured, IU can shift its focus to making a deep run in the Big Dance.

As for Galloway, he’ll forever be remembered as the hero who sent the Hoosiers dancing into March Madness.