OT win ends two game skid

If any word can sum up IU's 58-55 overtime win it, would be streaky. IU and Northwestern traded scoring tirades, traded the lead eight times and tied the score seven times.\nThe Hoosiers faced tough outside shooting from the Wildcats, who hit five of their first six shots from behind the arc. Northwestern's sharp shooting, led by Wildcat freshman Alex Mueller, who hit three consecutive three's in the first half, put IU into an early 23-14 deficit. \nThen it was IU's turn as the Hoosiers put together an 11-4 run late in the second half to whittle Northwestern's lead to 27-25 at halftime. While the team showed impressive play at the end of the first half, IU coach Kathi Bennett was unhappy with IU's flat play.\n"(Bennett) was just trying to get us motivated because we came out really flat (in the first half)," sophomore Cindi Valentin said. "Our defense wasn't there, and we dug ourselves a hole. She came out and told us we have to play defense because our defense sparks our offense."\nAfter a 4:32 scoring drought by both teams in the beginning of the second half, IU ignited again for a 12-0 run to take the lead 41-33. The streakiness endured when Northwestern went on a 12-2 tear of their own to bring the score to 45-43.\nPoor free throw shooting also hampered IU's game as the Hoosiers had the opportunity to close out the game during regulation with sophomore Angela Hawkins, junior Jenny DeMuth and freshman Annika Boyd all missing free throws in the final seconds. In total, IU shot a dismal six of 14 from the charity stripe while Northwestern capitalized with seven of nine free throw shots.\nDeMuth turned in yet another fine performance, scoring 17 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, good for her sixth double-double of the season. She also showed some generosity during the game as she handed out a season-high five assists. Despite her efforts, DeMuth fouled out in the final seconds of regulation, keeping the team leader out of overtime action.\nWith DeMuth out, it was Valentin's turn. She scored all seven of IU's points in overtime, leading to the 58-55 Hoosier victory.\n"Jenny fouled out, so it was something I took upon myself to do," Valentin said.\nValentin literally ignited in the second half, scoring 22 of her 24 total points after halftime. Her 24 points was also the largest single game point total of her career and led all scorers in the game.\n"I'm proud of Cyndi (Valentin) because she shot 1-for-7 in the first half," Bennett said. "Cyndi stayed tough and did a great job in the second half."\nDespite the hard-fought win and the tough play by Valentin and DeMuth, Bennett said she was not happy with IU's play in the game.\n"I thought it was a very poor defensive performance from our standpoint," Bennett said. "We came out flat and lacked energy. We just were not ready to play at all, and it was very frustrating."\nBennett wasn't the only one unsatisfied after Sunday's overtime win. The team as a whole knows winning at home cannot be IU's only option.\n"I think it was good we got a win at home," DeMuth said. "All Big Ten teams are supposed to win at home. Until we get a road win, I'm not going to be satisfied"