Jan. 19, 2007
Wisconsin Game Notes
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EVANSTON, Ill. -- The Wildcats host conference foe Wisconsin at noon Sunday at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Both squads are looking to rebound from contests against the league's top two squads, as Northwestern fell to No. 12 Purdue and the Badgers lost to No. 7 Ohio State on Thursday.
Promotions: Sunday is Scout Day which means that scouts, leaders and families are admitted for only $2 (if purchase tickets on day of game). Plenty of postgame activities are planned, including interacting with current Wildcats, a postgame autograph session and a chance to meet Chicago Sky player Amanda Lassiter.
Last Time Out...
Northwestern fell to No. 12 Purdue, 73-41, Thursday evening at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Freshman Beth Marshall turned in a career night to lead the way for the 'Cats with nine points and seven rebounds, both career bests. Kristin Cartwright added nine points as well.
Both teams opened the game firing from beyond the arc, as the game's first 15 points came on 3-pointers.
Marshall's trey at the 7:52 mark pulled NU to within 17-13 but the 'Cats' offense would be silent for the next three minutes until the Fishers, Ind. native nailed back-to-back 3-pointers.
Nearly half of Northwestern's first half field goal attempts were from beyond the arc, as the 'Cats attempted 12 out of 25 from 3-point range. Marshall led NU in the opening stanza, knocking down all 9 of her points in the first half.
Purdue led 34-22 at the break.
Northwestern recorded just three baskets in the first eight minutes of the second half while the Boilermakers inflated the lead to as many as 26 mid-way through the half en route to their 17th win of the season.
"I think Beth Marshall and Kristin Cartwright stepped up for us tonight," Combs said. "Marshall did some great things and we're very pleased with her performance and Cartwright showed why we've been bragging about her all year."
Scouting the Badgers
Wisconsin visits Welsh-Ryan Arena with a 13-6 overall record and a 2-4 mark in conference play, having lost to No. 7 Ohio State, 74-51, on Thursday. The Badgers are led by Jolene Anderson, an All-Big Ten second-team selection, who tallied 25 points against the Bucks and is averaging 17.5 ppg. Anderson is also the team's leading rebounder, pulling down 7.7 caroms per outing. Fellow junior Janese Banks joins Anderson in double-figure scoring averaging 14.9 ppg while also grabbing 6.0 rpg.
The Badgers opened the season with six straight victories before falling at UC-Riverside by a bucket. Wisconsin proceeded to win the next four games and has dropped five out its last eight contests.
The Series with Wisconsin
Northwestern holds a 28-24 advantage in the all-time series against the Badgers. Last season, the two squads claimed victories on their respective home courts as UW defeated the 'Cats, 74-46, before NU edged the Badgers 58-56 at home. Earlier this season, Wisconsin handed NU its first conference loss, a 93-72 decision, at the Kohl Center. A.J. Glasauer, Sara Stutz and Kaitlin McInerney all scored in double-figures for Northwestern. McInerney was the 'Cats leading rebounder with eight boards.
Score Early and Play Some "D"
Northwestern is 5-0 on the year when leading at the half. The Wildcats' are 6-2 when holding opponents to less than 70 points.
Playing the Best to be the Best
According to collegeRPI.com, Northwestern is playing the 38th strongest schedule in the country. The Wildcats' schedule includes six opponents in last season's AP top-25, and six that are currently in the top-25, or receiving votes. Two out of NU's next four opponents are ranked among the nation's top-25.
Taking Care of the Rock
Northwestern's 12 turnovers against the Buckeyes was the lowest of the season. The 'Cats forced a dozen OSU mishaps as well.
On the Upswing
The Wildcats' 67-53 victory over Princeton put the season win total at six, matching the win total for the entire 2005-06 year.
Is That Purple I See?
Yes. Head coach Beth Combs sported an unusual "new-do" for the Jan. 7 game vs. Iowa. Combs accepted a dare to dye her hair purple if there were 3,000 pre-sold tickets to Sunday's game. The goal was reached and Combs' hair was a lovely shade of violet.
Stutz Stepping Up
Junior Sara Stutz has consistently scored in double figures throughout the season, tallying double digits in 16 of NU's 19 games. She has started every game this season--and every game of the career--and is averaging a team-best 30.0 mpg. The Glenview, Ill., native is second on the team in scoring (12.1 ppg) and FG percentage (46 percent). Stutz has also dished out 48 assists.
Setting an Example
Northwestern's upperclassmen have led the 'Cats in scoring in 16 of 189 games so far this season. Senior captain A.J. Glasauer has led NU in scoring ten times, while junior Sara Stutz has been the top scorer six times. Fellow classmate Melissa Miller has topped the scoring column three times.
On the Big Stage
In the most recent NCAA stats (1/14/07), Northwestern ranks 18th in the nation in assists, averaging 17.3 per contest. A.J. Glasauer leads NU with 66 while Nadia Bibbs has dished out 60.