Northwestern ought to regain the companies of the nation’s No. 9 scorer when it closes nonconference play Tuesday afternoon towards Howard in Evanston, Ailing.
Senior ahead Nick Martinelli (21.9 ppg), who missed the Wildcats’ 61-58 loss to Butler on Dec. 20 as a consequence of a concussion, has returned on the apply ground and is predicted to play towards the Bison.
With out Martinelli, the Wildcats (7-5) scored virtually 25 fewer factors towards Butler than their common coming into the sport. Northwestern shot a season-low 35.9% from the sphere and practically a season-low 17.4% on 3-point makes an attempt.
On the plus facet, the Wildcats doubled down on their defensive effort and performed at a stage that ought to serve them properly when Huge Ten play resumes Saturday towards Minnesota. They pressured 14 turnovers and restricted a good-shooting Butler squad to 7 of 30 from 3-point vary. Solely UConn (60 factors on Dec. 16) allowed fewer factors to the Bulldogs.
“We defended very well all day lengthy,” Northwestern coach Chris Collins stated.
Whereas Howard (9-5) is ostensibly a purchase sport for Northwestern, the Bison haven’t been enjoying like they are often purchased. They arrive in Evanston on a five-game successful streak with the final 4 coming away from dwelling. Of their final outing on Dec. 20, the Bison constructed a 14-point second-half lead towards a stable UNC Wilmington squad and held on for a one-point highway win.
“We’ve got plenty of items that may assist us,” head coach Kenny Blakeney instructed Howard Information Service final month.
The first piece is fifth-year guard Bryce Harris, who averages 19.8 factors and seven.2 rebounds and will contend for Mid-Jap Athletic Convention Participant of the 12 months honors. Cedric Taylor III, who missed the primary 11 video games with a hand harm, has delivered 12.3 factors, 6.0 rebounds and three.0 assists throughout his first three video games again.
Howard additionally awaits the return of junior guard Alex Cotton (10.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg), who has missed the final two video games with an harm. Within the Bison’s opener towards Missouri, Cotton drilled 6 of 12 3-point makes an attempt on his approach to 20 factors.
–Discipline Stage Media
