Jan. 10, 2004
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EVANSTON, Ill. - With two Big Ten games in the record books, the Wildcats are looking for their first win of 2004 and standing in their way are the No. 20/21 Ohio State Buckeyes. With health and injury an issue for Northwestern in Thursday's 72-40 loss to No. 6 Minnesota, the 'Cats are searching for new leadership on the court.
Northwestern (7-6, 0-2 Big Ten) was without four of its players vs. the Gophers, including two starters, but the rookies continue to shine in 03-04. Germany natives A.J. Glasauer and Alex Mueller have accounted for 39 of NU's last 83 points, while classmate Breanne Smilie played a career-high 34 minutes in Thursday's game.
The Wildcats also got a strong performance from lone senior starter Michelle Zylstra, as the co-captain put up a team-leading 11 points. Zylstra played center for Northwestern instead of her usual start as forward.
NU will look to turn the tables on their recent turnover problems vs. Ohio State. In the three-game winning streak prior to the holiday break, the 'Cats had 15 or less turnovers in each contest. Since the break, they committed over 20 turnovers on three occasions.
Northwestern's .329 three-point percentage compared to their opponents' .269 pct will be up against Ohio State's stinginess with the three on Sunday. The Buckeyes have not allowed a three pointer in 16 attempts by their Big Ten opponents.
The 'Cats also want to get reacquainted with the foul line. Northwestern didn't make a trip to the free throw line vs. Minnesota, and were four-of-nine vs.Michigan. This season, the Wildcats hold a .676 to .665 free throw percentage advantage over their opponents despite making 36 fewer trips to the line.
Ohio State (9-4, 1-1 Big Ten) is coming off of a startling loss to Illinois on Thursday, 52-51. LaToya Turner led OSU with 12 points in the contest, but the Buckeyes could not put up a shot in the waning seconds to cap the 18-point comeback.
The Buckeyes beat the Wisconsin Badgers 65-46 on Jan. 2 for their first conference win of the season. Their nonconference losses have come against Nebraska, UCLA and Rutgers.