Indiana dug an early hole against UCLA, and they could never quite find their way out.
Struggling from the field against a stifling Bruin defense, the Hoosiers fell behind 18-4 early in the second quarter. IU made just 2-of-16 shots from the field in the first quarter, and shot just 23.3 percent for the first half as the Hoosiers struggled with UCLA’s length in the halfcourt.
Playing in front of an energized crowd of 5,272 at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, IU mounted several rallies against the No. 10 Bruins. Indiana pulled to within one point at 46-45 early in the fourth quarter but would never lead again after the opening minutes of the game.
Mackenzie Holmes led IU with 13 points and 7 rebounds. Ali Patberg and Brenna Wise each added nine points and Jaelynn Penn added eight.
For the game IU finished 34.5 percent from the field and had just 10 assists against 15 turnovers.
IU limited UCLA to just 33.3 percent from the field, but the Bruins scored 25 points in the fourth quarter to prevent the Hoosiers from getting over the hump.
The Hoosiers (10-2) will open Big Ten play next Saturday in Bloomington against Michigan State.
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