Northwestern is set for a cross-town matchup against DePaul on Saturday, December 8. Here's what to watch for...
CAN'T STOP PARDON: Senior Dererk Pardon has proven to be an unstoppable offensive threat this season, scoring 20-plus points in two consecutive games for the first time in his career. Pardon put up 20 points against Michigan, going 7-for-8 in the first half for a total of 16 points, which included a bank-shot three-pointer. He finished the game was an astounding 90 percent from the field. Recording a season high of 24 points against Indiana, Pardon went 11-for-15 totalling to a 73.3 field goal percentage. Pardon has already recorded four double-doubles this season — his prolific scoring has been matched with both offensive and defensive rebounding.
HOT HANDS: Complementing Pardon's post game, sharp-shooting Vic Law has put on a stellar performance this season. Shooting 45.7 percent from both the three-point line and from the field this season, Law continues to add double-digits to the scoreboard in every match-up. With his range extending well beyond the arc, Law has proven to be a difficult player to guard. Against No. 5 Michigan, Law went 50 percent from the three-point line and totalled 19 points. Equally as notable have been A.J. Turner and Ryan Taylor's phenomenal free-throw percentages, to 88.8 percent and 95 percent respectively. Given Northwestern's close point differentials in final scores, Turner and Taylor could be vital in last-minute free throw opportunities.
HISTORY WITH DePAUL: Northwestern has faced off against cross-town foe DePaul in the last three seasons, recording wins in all three match-ups. Last season, the Wildcats defeated the Blue Demons on their turf with a 62-60 win. The last time DePaul travelled to Evanston was during the 2016-17 season, where the Wildcats earned a decisive victory, beating the Blue Demons, 80-64. Vic Law put up an impressive 16 points during the match-up. This will be the first time DePaul has played in the newly-renovated Welsh-Ryan Arena.
CAN'T STOP PARDON: Senior Dererk Pardon has proven to be an unstoppable offensive threat this season, scoring 20-plus points in two consecutive games for the first time in his career. Pardon put up 20 points against Michigan, going 7-for-8 in the first half for a total of 16 points, which included a bank-shot three-pointer. He finished the game was an astounding 90 percent from the field. Recording a season high of 24 points against Indiana, Pardon went 11-for-15 totalling to a 73.3 field goal percentage. Pardon has already recorded four double-doubles this season — his prolific scoring has been matched with both offensive and defensive rebounding.
HOT HANDS: Complementing Pardon's post game, sharp-shooting Vic Law has put on a stellar performance this season. Shooting 45.7 percent from both the three-point line and from the field this season, Law continues to add double-digits to the scoreboard in every match-up. With his range extending well beyond the arc, Law has proven to be a difficult player to guard. Against No. 5 Michigan, Law went 50 percent from the three-point line and totalled 19 points. Equally as notable have been A.J. Turner and Ryan Taylor's phenomenal free-throw percentages, to 88.8 percent and 95 percent respectively. Given Northwestern's close point differentials in final scores, Turner and Taylor could be vital in last-minute free throw opportunities.
HISTORY WITH DePAUL: Northwestern has faced off against cross-town foe DePaul in the last three seasons, recording wins in all three match-ups. Last season, the Wildcats defeated the Blue Demons on their turf with a 62-60 win. The last time DePaul travelled to Evanston was during the 2016-17 season, where the Wildcats earned a decisive victory, beating the Blue Demons, 80-64. Vic Law put up an impressive 16 points during the match-up. This will be the first time DePaul has played in the newly-renovated Welsh-Ryan Arena.