Feb. 25, 2011
Northwestern (17-11, 6-9) at RV/RV Penn State (21-8,10-5) )
Sunday, Feb. 27 Bryce Jordan Center (15,261)
University Park, Pa. 11 a.m. CT
TV: Big Ten Network (Leah Secondo, pbp; Theresa Grentz, color)
Streaming Video: GoPSUsports.com
Audio: 89.3 FM., WNUR (Cody Dunlap and Seth Bernstein)
Gametracker: GoPSUsports.com
In-game Twitter updates: @NU_SportsLIVE
Northwestern Game Notes (PDF)
EVANSTON, Ill. -- After prevailing against Minnesota a week ago on Senior Day, and receiving a seven-day respite, Northwestern returns to the hardwood at 11 a.m. Sunday when it takes on Penn State in the regular-season finale at the Bryce Jordan Center. The Big Ten Network will air the game later that day at 3 p.m. CT on tape delay.
The Lady Lions (21-8, 10-5) are currently tied for second heading into the final weekend of regular-season play and are coming off a 51-49 loss to Purdue at home. Northwestern (17-11, 6-9) has secured the eighth seed in next week's Big Ten Tournament and will play the ninth seed at approximately 5 p.m. CT Thursday in Indianapolis. The winner of that game will advance to face top-seeded Michigan State at 5 p.m. CT Friday. All Big Ten Tournament games will be carried live on the Big Ten Network, with the title tilt airing at 2:30 CT on Sunday, March. 6 on ESPN2.
Noting Northwestern
Northwestern On The Rise
Sitting at 17-11 overall entering Sunday's game, Northwestern needs just one more victory to match last season's win total. Last year, the Wildcats finished 18-15 and advanced to the WNIT Round of 16. It was the first time in 13 years (since 1996-97) the program made a postseason appearance.
Regarding Next Week...March is on!
Due to the nature of the standings, Northwestern already has secured the eighth seed in next week's Big Ten Tournament. It is the Wildcats' highest seed in the event since the 1997 season when NU was seeded fifth. Northwestern's highest ranking in the Tournament came in 1995 when it earned the fourth seed.
Toeing the Line
Northwestern ranks third in the Big Ten in free-throw percentage (75.2 percent) but perhaps its ability to execute when the game is on the line is more impressive. Beth Marshall is especially accurate in the final minute, connecting on 20-of-22 attempts during that time. As a team, Northwestern is 58-of-68 from the line in the final 1:10 this season.
Beside the Point
While NU currently ranks fifth in the Big Ten in scoring, it's more than points that help a team win. The 'Cats hold a 10-5 record when they out rebound their opponent. Additionally, they are 8-4 when they record at least 15 assists and 5-3 when they total 20 or more.
Complete game notes can be found by clicking the PDF above.
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