Indiana let a late lead slip away in the final minute as Maryland escaped Assembly Hall with a 79-78 victory, dealing a crushing blow to IU's NCAA tournament hopes.

The Hoosiers built a four-point lead in the closing minutes behind huge plays from Anthony Leal and Myles Rice, but defensive breakdowns and poor late-game execution proved costly.

After getting clutch plays from Leal and a strong second-half shooting performance from Rice (3-5 from three), Indiana seemed poised to secure a crucial home win. However, failing to foul with a foul to give and defensive confusion on Maryland's final possession led to a Rodney Rice three-pointer that put the Terrapins ahead. IU's final offensive possession was marred by substitution confusion and resulted in a forced shot that missed at the buzzer.

Key Talking Points:

• Efficient offensive performance (1.24 points per possession) wasted by defensive lapses
• Maryland shot 12-24 from three while repeatedly finding open shooters
• Myles Rice (12 points) and Anthony Leal provided huge second-half sparks
• Lineup and execution issues in critical final minute prove devastating
• Another tough home loss further damages NCAA tournament resume

Plus, as always, the Banner Moment, Meaningful Moments You Might Have Missed, Inside the Numbers, and our Game Balls, Hustle Award, and Lingering Questions. That's all in this edition of The Assembly Call.

On the mics: Jerod Morris, Coach Bob Moats

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