Northwestern University Athletics
Men's Basketball Hosts Michigan State Wednesday
1/23/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 23, 2001
Game 19
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (7-11, 0-6) vs. #3/3 Michigan State (15-1, 4-1)
DATE/TIME: January 24, 2001/7 p.m.
SITE: Welsh-Ryan Arena (Evanston)
capacity: 8,117
TV: ESPN+ (WCIU-TV in Chicago)
RADIO: WGN (720 AM)
Northwestern is learning the hard way that college basketball is a 40-minute game.
More proof came Saturday at Purdue. For the second time in as many meetings this season, the Wildcats got off to a slow start against the Boilermakers by spotting them the first 13 points of the game and 16 of the first 18. In both games between Northwestern and Purdue, the Boilers held a 16-2 lead to start the game.
As they did in the first meeting, the 'Cats clawed their way back. They cut the deficit into single digits by halftime (30-22), and drew within three points at 39-36 with 14 minutes to play.
However, as has been the case in nearly every other Big Ten game this season, NU could not hang on. Purdue found open players on three consecutive possessions, leading to a trio of treys, and went on a 14-2 run that essentially ended the contest. Rodney Smith proved to be too much, mixing a ferocious inside game with a deft outside touch to score 20 of his game-high 27 in the second stanza.
Unlike much of last year, Northwestern is keeping things interesting in Big Ten play. Even the first meeting with Michigan State raised some eyebrows, when the 'Cats were within 25-21 late in the first half before the Spartans turned it on. But as Coach Carmody has told the players on several occasions, he does not believe in moral victories and they should not, either. He wants to see a 40-minute effort, and the positive results will take care of themselves.
THE FUN FACT
Two keys could dictate the outcome of tonight's game: the point and rebounding totals. Michigan State enters Welsh-Ryan boasting the most potent offense in the Big Ten at 83.0 ppg, while Northwestern is 11th at 59.6 ppg. On the glass, MSU leads the conference and the country with a margin of +18.5 per game, NU is 10th at -3.5.
HEAD COACH BILL CARMODY
Bill Carmody is going for his 100th win as a head coach tonight. With a Wildcat win he will get it in his 136th game, a mark only 35 coaches in NCAA Division 1 history have beaten.
Carmody is in his first season at Northwestern after spending 18 years at Princeton University, the last four as head coach of the Tigers. While at the helm, Carmody guided the Tigers to an overall record of 92-25 (.786), an Ivy League mark of 50-6 (.893) and four postseason appearances. During his first season as head coach (1996-97), Carmody led the Tigers to a 24-4 record, the third-best first year mark for a Division I head coach in 30 years. Carmody followed that up with an even better sophomore campaign, when he directed Princeton to a 27-2 record, a Top 10 national ranking and the second round of the 1998 NCAA Tournament.
Carmody graduated from Union College (Schenectady, N.Y.) in 1975. A basketball standout, he led Union to a 59-11 record in three seasons as a starter. During his senior year, he captained his team and was named first-team All-ECAC as well as the school's Most Outstanding Athlete. Upon graduation, Carmody served as the head coach of Fulton-Montgomery Community College in New York, leading the team to a 17-10 record and a conference title. He returned to Union the following year as an assistant coach before heading to Princeton to be an assistant under the legendary Pete Carril in 1982.
THE SERIES WITH MICHIGAN STATE
Tonight's game marks the 100th meeting between the Wildcats and the Spartans, with MSU holding a 64-35 advantage. The Spartans have dominated this series recently, winning six in a row (including two here at Welsh-Ryan Arena), 27 of the last 28, and 32 of the last 34.
Two weeks ago, MSU defeated the Wildcats, 84-53, in East Lansing. Winston Blake had 13 points and four 3-pointers to lead NU, while Andre Hutson had 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting to lead MSU. Jason Richardson added 13 points.
THE LAST MEETING
GAME 15 -- Michigan State 84, Northwestern 53
EAST LANSING, Mich. (1/10) -- The Northwestern University men's basketball team stuck with third-ranked Michigan State through most of the first half, but ultimately MSU proved too big and too strong in downing the Wildcats, 84-53. It marked the most points allowed by NU this season.
Northwestern managed to hang around with the athletic Spartans through much of the first half. But after Ben Johnson drained a trey to make the score 25-21 with seven minutes left before halftime, MSU took over. Using a 25-8 rebound advantage, the Spartans scored 16 of the last 19 points before the break, and took a 41-24 lead into the locker room.
Blake was the only Wildcat in double figures, with 13 points.
THE TRIVIA TRIFECTA
* Among NU's current players, only Winston Blake has ever reached double figures vs. MSU in the last three meetings between the teams. He had 13 on January 10.
* Blake is eighth on NU's single-season 3-point list with 53.
* He is eighth on NU's all-time 3-point list as a sophomore.
YOUTH SHALL BE SERVED
For the second year in a row, Northwestern boasts a roster with nary a senior to be found. In fact, the 10-player roster has just two juniors -- Collier Drayton and Tavaras Hardy -- to go with five sophomores and three freshmen. According to Stats, Inc., the Wildcats entered the week second in the nation in minutes played by freshmen and sophomores at 85.56 percent (The Citadel is No. 1 at 85.58 percent).
Do not assume it is an inexperienced group, though. Last year, the Wildcats led the nation in minutes played by freshmen and sophomores at a staggering 99.9 percent.
Another Stats, Inc., gem: NU is seventh youngest in terms of experience based on eligibility and minutes played (1.000 for freshmen, 4.000 for seniors). NU's average is 1.911.
GOTTA SHOOT 'EM TO MAKE 'EM
In the win against Evansville at the San Juan Shootout, NU tied a school record by making 14 three-point baskets. The Wildcats also broke the school mark with 31 attempts -- the previous mark of 30 was done twice, including in the season-opening loss to Arkansas-Little Rock.
According to Stats, Inc., the Wildcats entered the week 11th in the nation with 379 of its 915 field-goal attempts this season coming from beyond the arc (41.4 percent). In addition, NU is third in the Big Ten's overall stats averaging 6.94 treys made per game.
DEE-FENSE!
Only four teams -- Ohio State (73), Michigan State (84), Penn State (73) and Purdue (78) -- have reached the 70-point mark against Northwestern this season. Currently, the Wildcats are third in the Big Ten allowing 61.5 points per game, behind Wisconsin (57.3) and Ohio State (60.1).
TAKING MORE THAN THEY GIVE
Against Evansville on December 22, the Wildcats committed just seven turnovers, the lowest by an NU team since 11/26/97, when they had six in a 71-51 win over Sam Houston State. In Big Ten action, Northwestern has had just 10 turnovers against Ohio State, Michigan State and last Saturday at Purdue. That marks the fewest in a conference game since the 'Cats had eight against Penn State on 3/4/99.
SHARE THE WEALTH
Another staple among Coach Carmody's teams is how many baskets come directly off a pass. Last Wednesday against Illinois, for example, 13 of Northwestern's 15 field goals came directly off a pass. According to Stats, Inc., Northwestern entered the week 18th nationally with 65.6 percent of its field goals coming off an assist (246 of 375). Among the highlights: 19 assists on 21 field goals against Vermont, and 25 assists on 28 field goals against Mississippi Valley State.
A PAIR OF THIEVES Northwestern has two players among the Big Ten Conference's overall steal leaders. Collier Drayton averages 1.44 steals per game and is eighth, while Jitim Young averages 1.28 per game which ties him for 14th.
BOMBS AWAY
Sophomore guard Winston Blake has hit 53 three-pointers already this season, more than triple what he had for all of last year (17) and good for eighth on NU's single-season list. That also puts him second among Big Ten players in total treys this season, behind only Penn State's Joe Crispin (59). Blake hit five treys in games against Mississippi Valley State and La Salle and Penn State this season, and he knocked down four against St. Peter's, Evansville, Ohio State and Michigan State.
`T' -- AS IN TREMENDOUS
Junior center Tavaras Hardy was named to the all-tournament team at the San Juan (P.R.) Shootout from December 20-22, scoring 42 points and snaring 16 boards as the Wildcats went 2-1 and took fifth place. He led all scorers with 18 points against Kent State, and followed that up with a 16-point performance in NU's win over Iona. He went 8-of-9 from the field in the KSU game, then 8-of-9 from the foul line vs. the Gaels.
One week later, Hardy was Big Ten Co-Player of the Week. He had 20 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocked shots and two steals as NU defeated No. 16 USC, 63-61. It was Northwestern's first win over a ranked opponent since a 54-50 win over No. 14 Purdue on January 27, 1999.
PLAYER BIOS ON THE EIGHT NU REGULARS
#3 -- WINSTON BLAKE
Soph., F/G, Plano, Texas/Plano Senior
Starter in all 18 games ... Leads team and is 21st in Big Ten with 12.6 points per game (13.8 in Big Ten), and has led team in scoring in seven games ... Double-figure scorer in 13 games ... Second in the Big Ten in overall 3-point field goals made (53) and 3-pointers per game (2.94) ... Has three or more 3-pointers in 11 games this season ... Second on the team averaging 32.4 minutes per game ... Third on the team with 19 steals ... Had five 3-pointers on six attempts en route to team-high 17 points vs. Penn State (1/13) ... Also had five 3-pointers in back-to-back games vs. Mississippi Valley State (12/2) and La Salle (12/10) ... Had four 3-pointers against St. Peter's (12/13), Evansville (12/22), Ohio State (1/3) and Michigan State (1/10) ... Led team with 13 points and had four 3-pointers vs. Michigan State (1/10) ... Had 22 points to lead all scorers at Ohio State (1/3) ... Led team with 16 points and had four 3-pointers vs. Evansville (12/22) ... Led team with 15 points, all on treys, at La Salle (12/10) ... Also led team in scoring with 15 points against both Maryland-Eastern Shore (11/22) and Vermont (11/25).
#5 -- BEN JOHNSON
Soph., G/F, Minneapolis, Minn./De La Salle
Starter in all 18 games ... Second on the team in scoring, averaging 10.1 ppg, and has led team in scoring in four games ... Double-figure scorer in nine games ... Second on the team with 39 assists ... Tied for second on the team with 3.9 rebounds per game ... Had team-high 11 points, tied for team lead with four rebounds vs. Illinois (1/17) ... Had 16 points and team-high eight rebounds at Penn State (1/13) ... Led team with eight rebounds against Vermont (11/25) and Evansville (12/22), and with seven against La Salle (12/10) ... Third on the team in minutes played, averaging 31.3 ... Led team in scoring with 16 points in season opener against Arkansas-Little Rock (11/18) ... Led team with 14 points at Clemson in ACC/Big Ten Challenge (11/28) ... Led team with 22 points against St. Peter's ... Had 13 points and established career high with eight assists and committed just one turnover in win over No. 16 USC, playing all 40 minutes.
#25 -- JITIM YOUNG
Fr., G, Chicago, Ill./Gordon Tech
Starter in all 18 games ... Fourth on the team in scoring, averaging 8.1 ppg ... Tied for second on the team with 3.9 rebounds per game ... Second on the team, 14th in the Big Ten with 23 steals (1.28 spg) ... Tied for team lead with nine rebounds at Purdue (1/20), added three assists and two steals ... Had 10-point games against Illinois (1/17) and Purdue (1/6) ... Led team with 21 points, going 7-of-10 from the field, and added seven rebounds, five assists and three steals vs. Mississippi Valley State (12/2) ... Had 11 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals vs. St. Peter's (12/13) ... Led team in rebounding with seven vs. Arkansas-Little Rock (11/18), seven vs. Mississippi Valley State (12/2), six vs. St. Peter's (12/13) and six vs. Iona (12/21).
#30 -- JASON BURKE
Soph., F, Plano, Texas/Plano East
Played in 16 of 18 games ... Played season-high 22 minutes at Purdue, with three points and three rebounds (1/20) ... Scored seven points (3-3 FG) in 13 minutes vs. Mississippi Valley State (12/2) ... Scored six points, all from the free-throw line, and added three assists vs. St. Peter's (12/13) ... Had back-to-back five-point games against Pepperdine (12/16) and Kent State (12/20) ... Led team with five rebounds and added three assists in win over No. 16 USC (12/27).
#32 -- COLLIER DRAYTON
Jr., G, Lyons, N.Y./Lyons
Played in all 18 games, starting all but the season opener ... Leads team with 61 assists and 26 steals ... Leads team with 34.3 minutes played per game ... Eighth in the Big Ten in steals per game (1.44) and 13th in assists per game (3.39) ... Had 10 points and five rebounds at Purdue (1/20) ... Had four assists and four steals at Penn State (1/13) ... Scored nine points, added four rebounds and three assists on a severely sprained ankle vs. Purdue (1/6) ... Established new career highs with 13 points and four 3-pointers at Pepperdine (12/16) ... Matched those totals against Evansville (12/22) ... Scored nine points in wins over Iona (12/21) and USC (12/27) ... Had career-high eight assists against three turnovers vs. Mississippi Valley State (12/2).
#33 - TAVARAS HARDY
Jr., C, Joliet, Ill./Providence
Starter in all 18 games ... Third on the team in scoring with 9.5 ppg (10.2 in Big Ten) ... Leads team in rebounding with 5.9 boards per game, and also leads team with 51 FT made ... Had nine points and tied for team lead with nine boards at Purdue (1/20) ... Had 13 points, six rebounds, two blocks at Penn State (1/13) ... Had 11 points, six rebounds, three assists, two blocks against Purdue (1/6) ... Named Big Ten Co-Player of the Week after 20-point outing vs. USC (12/27) ... Named to San Juan (P.R.) Shootout All-Tournament Team ... Began tournament with 18 first-half points on 8-of-9 shooting from the field vs. Kent State (12/20), then scored 16 and went 8-of-9 from the foul line in a win over Iona (12/21) before adding eight more in a win over Evansville (12/22) ... Also totaled 16 rebounds in the three games and had four blocked shots against Kent State ... Had only Wildcat double-double to date with 10 points and a career-high 14 rebounds at Pepperdine (12/16) ... Has led team in rebounding five times this season.
#44 -- ED McCANTS
Fr., G, Marion, Ohio/Marion Catholic
Played in all 18 games ... Averaging 5.2 points and 17.1 minutes per game off the bench ... Second on the team with 21 three-point FG made ... Had eight points and five rebounds at Penn State (1/13) ... Had 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting from 3-point land and added five rebounds and two assists in 19 minutes vs. Vermont (11/25) ... Had 11 points, three rebounds and three steals vs. Kent State (12/20) ... Followed that up with 11 points and five boards vs. Iona (12/21) and 10 points and three boards vs. Evansville (12/22) ... Snared season-high seven rebounds in homecoming game at Ohio State (1/3).
#55 -- AARON JENNINGS
Soph., C, Atkins, Iowa/Benton Community
Played in all 18 games, starting the season opener against Arkansas-Little Rock ... Averaging 9.8 ppg in Big Ten games ... Led team with 13 points in 17 minutes at Purdue (1/20) ... Led team with 15 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocked shots vs. Purdue (1/6) ... Scored 12 points, all in the second half, and added three rebounds and three steals vs. Ohio State (1/3) ... Had nine points, including two 3-pointers, along with three rebounds and two blocked shots at Michigan State (1/10) ... Had nine points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals against St. Peter's (12/13) ... Had nine points, five boards and two blocked shots vs. Vermont (11/25).
