Nov. 30, 2007
NU Game Notes vs. Savannah State
Watch the free live webcast on BigTenNetwork.com.
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Northwestern will be out to try to break a two-game losing streak as it plays host to Savannah State at 11 a.m. Saturday at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The game can be viewed live on BigTenNetwork.com.
Saturday's contest can also be heard live on WGN Radio (720 AM) with Dave Eanet and Tim Doyle on the call.
This will be the first meeting between the Wildcats and the Tigers. The contest opens a stretch during which Northwestern will play four of its next five games at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Last Time Out
Eight of Virginia's first nine field goals came from the three-point line against Northwestern on Tuesday night, leading to a 94-52 victory in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. Freshman Michael Thompson led the way for the Wildcats with nine points in the first half, 14 overall on the game. Virginia, conversely, had 12 3-pointers as Mamadi Diane and Calvin Baker combined to go 9-10 from the floor with 27 points. The duo helped UVA to a 54-29 lead at the break. Jason Okrzesik opened the second half on fire attempting to lead the 'Cats back and scored 12 points to go along with his two rebounds and a steal. Overall on the game, the Wildcats shot 35.7 percent, while the Cavaliers made almost 52 percent of their shots. The loss marked NU's first in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge since 2005 as it beat Miami (Fla.) in last year's Challenge. The victory, meanwhile, gave the Cavaliers a 5-3 record in the annual matchup with the Big Ten and a 12-game win streak at John Paul Jones Arena.
The Season for Giving
The Wildcats rank first in the Big Ten in assists so far this season, averaging 18.4 per contest. Michigan State ranks second at 17.4 per game. Michael Thompson has played a large role in Northwestern ranking atop the category as he is tied for the individual conference lead with 4.8 assists per game. Craig Moore is close behind, tied for seventh at 3.8 helpers per game. NU is also tops in the Big Ten with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.70. The 'Cats are averaging a league-low 10.8 turnovers per contest through their first five games.
Scouting Savannah State
The Tigers (5-5) fell behind 22-4 early in dropping a 78-52 decision at Creighton Thursday evening. Raye Bailey was the only Savannah State player in double figures with 11 points. The Tigers committed 24 turnovers in the contest.
Head coach Horace Broadnax is in his third season with the Tigers and was a member of Georgetown's 1984 NCAA championship team and its 1985 runner-up squad.
This will be the first meeting between Northwestern and Savannah State.
The Tigers have already played one Big Ten opponent this season, falling to Wisconsin 79-32 in Madison Nov. 15.
Up Next...
It will be a quick turnaround for Northwestern as it has just one day off before returning to action at home against Arkansas State on Monday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Welsh-Ryan Arena.