Caris LeVert hit a step-back 3-pointer in the final seconds to help the Indiana Pacers secure a 116-111 win over the Detroit Pistons. LeVert’s three from the right wing as the shot clock expired with 4.7 seconds left gave the Blue and Gold a five-point lead as Indiana snapped a six-game home losing streak. LeVert’s 28 points marked the best in a Pacers uniform in his seventh game since making his debut March 13th. The 26-year-old was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in January, but his first game with Indiana was delayed nearly two months due to kidney surgery to remove a cancerous mass. With the win, the Pacers improved to 20-23, while the Pistons are a conference-worst 12-31. After one game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, the Pacers are back on the road Friday to take on the Dallas Mavericks.
The Indiana women’s basketball team defeated Belmont 70-48 Wednesday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in San Antonio. It is the first Sweet 16 berth for the program since the tournament went to a 64-team format. The fourth-seeded Hoosiers held the number 12 seed Bruins to 0-for-13 from 3-point range in the first half and pulled away in the second quarter to take a 12-point lead into halftime. Four players scored in double figures, led by Grace Berger, who scored 17 points to go with six rebounds and three steals. Ali Patberg and Mackenzie Holmes each added 13. Indiana improved to 20-5, and has won 20 or more games each of the last six seasons, which is a program record. IU will take on top-seeded North Carolina State in the Sweet 16 Saturday at 6 p.m. The game will air on ESPN2 from the Alamodome.
The Indianapolis Colts are bringing back wide receiver T.Y. Hilton for his 10th season. The 31-year-old pass catcher has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to ten million dollars, and will guarantee Hilton eight million dollars, according to his agents the Katz Bros. Last season, Hilton struggled early, but got hot late to finish with 56 catches for 762 yards and five touchdowns. He explored his options in free agency before ultimately staying with the only team he has ever played for. “The Ghost” was drafted by Indianapolis in the third round of the 2012 draft, and has publicly stated he wants to finish his career with the Colts. Hilton is a four-time Pro Bowler and is third on the team’s all-time receiving yards list behind Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. The Colts also announced they have re-signed cornerback Xavier Rhodes to a one-year deal.
Two more Indiana basketball players entered the NCAA transfer portal Wednesday. Forward Race Thompson and guard Parker Stewart each indicated their interest in transferring, although the players could return to IU. Thompson started in all 27 games for the Hoosiers and averaged 9.1 points and 6.2 rebounds as a redshirt junior. Stewart transferred in from the University of Tennessee-Martin and did not play in a game last season. He averaged 19.2 points in 2019 playing for his father Anthony at UT-Martin, and transferred to IU in December following the sudden death of his father in November. The duo joins Armaan Franklin, who entered the transfer portal Tuesday. Indiana fired coach Archie Miller last week and has yet to name his replacement.
