Nov. 13, 2011
Box Score |
Quotes |
Photo Gallery 
Site: Evanston, Ill. (Welsh-Ryan Arena)
Score: Northwestern 60, Texas-Pan American 36
Next NU Event: Thursday, Nov. 17 vs. LSU (Charleston Classic) Charleston, S.C. 2 p.m. CT
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Behind a strong defensive effort and a game-high 15 points from John Shurna, Northwestern cruised to a 60-36 season-opening victory over Texas-Pan American at Welsh-Ryan Arena Sunday night. The 36 points allowed tied a game-low in the Bill Carmody era and marked the best defensive performance since holding DePaul to 36 points Dec. 6, 2008.
Aside from his 15 points, Shurna added to the defensive cause, finishing the night with five rebounds, a block and two steals.
While the defense held its own, limiting the visiting Broncos to less than 30-percent from the field, Northwestern's offense received a boost from its usual suspects and supporting cast.
Luka Mirkovic added 12 points on offense, collecting five boards, while Drew Crawford had 11 points off the bench to go along with a team-high six rebounds.
Things started slow for both teams, but a quick 8-0 run by Northwestern, capped by a Dave Sobolewski three-point play, made it an early 15-8 Wildcats lead. Sobolewski finished with six points and five rebounds in his regular-season debut.
After a fair amount of back-and-forth from both teams, UTPA made an 8-0 run of its own to cut into NU's lead, bringing the Broncos to within two, 20-18, with about five minutes left on the board. Aided by a huge three-pointer from Alex Marcotullio, the Wildcats closed out the first half on another hot streak as an 11-1 run gave NU a 31-19 lead going into the locker rooms.
After the break, NU's defense bore down, allowing just 17 points to UTPA on 6-21 shooting. Twenty-six defensive rebounds combined with six steals on 16 turnovers allowed the 'Cats to rapidly extend their lead.
Behind a jumper from Shurna and a three from the corner by Reggie Hearn on back-to-back possessions, the 'Cats build their advantage to 17 at the halfway point in the second half, up 43-26.
Taking control of the offense, Crawford made sure there was no doubt as to the end result, scoring nine of Northwestern's final 17 points to end the contest. Allowing only one point in the final two minute, Northwestern coasted to the win.
The Wildcats return to action with a trip to the Charleston Classic in Charleston, S.C., squaring off with LSU in the opening round at 2 p.m. CT Thursday.
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook! and subscribe to the NU Sports Express e-newsletter to receive the latest news, schedule updates and video and to interact with NU. For more information on following specific Northwestern teams online, visit our Social Media page!