Northwestern University Athletics
Men's Basketball Hosts Penn State Tonight
2/21/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb. 21, 2001
Men's Basketball Game 27
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (9-17, 1-12)
vs. Penn State (16-7, 6-6)
DATE/TIME: February 21, 2001/7 p.m.
SITE: Welsh-Ryan Arena (Evanston)
capacity: 8,117
TV: None
RADIO: WGN (720 AM), WNUR (89.3 FM)
The goal tonight is not to let history repeat itself.
On January 13, the Northwestern men's basketball looked like it had Penn State on the ropes -- and on the road, no less. But leading, 51-37, with just 13 minutes left in the game at PSU's Bryce Jordan Center, the Wildcats went stagnant as the Nittany Lions outscored them 36-15 the rest of the way for a stunning 73-66 victory.
A youthful Northwestern team looked out of sorts down the stretch in that game, and seemed shaken by a boisterous Penn State crowd that only got louder as the Nittany Lions drew closer. With tonight's game being played in the friendlier confines of NU's own Welsh-Ryan Arena, the Wildcats hope that the result will be a little different.
The last time the Wildcats were home, they recorded an eight-point win over nationally-ranked Iowa. In that game, they played the entire 40 minutes with passion and drew inspiration from the home crowd. The home-court advantage was just that.
Need further proof the team plays better at home? The Wildcats are 7-6 at Welsh-Ryan Arena this year, but 0-10 in opposing gyms. With a victory tonight, Northwestern would guarantee itself a winning record at Welsh-Ryan for the 2000-01 season.
Northwestern closes out the home portion of the schedule Saturday, hosting Ohio State at 7 p.m. The Wildcats will then end the regular season next Wednesday, February 28, at Michigan.
THE FUN FACT
Tonight's game features the top two 3-point shooters in the Big Ten with regard to treys made per game. Penn State's Joe Crispin -- who leads the conference in overall scoring at 20.5 ppg -- averages 3.52 treys per game overall and 3.33 in Big Ten games to lead. NU's Winston Blake (2.69 overall/2.69 Big Ten) is second in both.
THE TRIVIA TRIFECTA
* NU has had six different players lead the team in scoring in a game, and eight different players lead the team in rebounding.
* Winston Blake is fourth on NU's single-season list and seventh on the all-time 3-point list (70 season, 87 overall).
* Tavaras Hardy is tied for seventh on NU's single-season list and fifth on NU's all-time blocks list (28 season, 70 overall).
HEAD COACH BILL CARMODY
Bill Carmody earned his 100th win as a head coach on January 31 against Buffalo. He got No. 100 in his 138th game as a head coach.
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 PENN STATE
Tonight's game marks the 20th meeting between the Wildcats and the Nittany Lions, with PSU holding a 14-5 advantage to date. Earlier this season in State College, the Nittany Lions overcame a 14-point second-half deficit to down Northwestern, 73-66.
THE PROBABLE NU LINEUP TONIGHT
STARTERS
G -- Collier Drayton (#32) - Jr., 6-2, 185 - 5.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 33.5 mpg
1.30 assist/turnover ratio overall
G -- Jitim Young (#25) - Fr., 6-2, 185 - 9.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 28.9 mpg
13.2 ppg in last six games
F -- Ben Johnson (#5) - So., 6-2, 180 - 10.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 31.3 mpg
16 pts, 8 rbs vs. PSU on 1/13
F -- Winston Blake (#3) - So., 6-5, 190 - 11.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 30.9 mpg
Team-high 17 pts vs. PSU on 1/13
C -- Tavaras Hardy (#33) - Jr., 6-8, 225 - 10.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 29.7 mpg
13 pts, 6 rbs vs. PSU on 1/13
OFF THE BENCH
Jason Burke (#30) - So., 6-6, 190 - 3.1 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 13.9 mpg
18 pts, 64 mins vs. Iowa, IU
Aaron Jennings (#55) - So., 6-11, 210 - 5.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 16.2 mpg
7.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg in Big Ten play
Ed McCants (#44) - Fr., 6-2, 180 - 4.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 15.7 mpg
25 treys second on the team
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 first in the nation in minutes played by freshmen and sophomores at 85.2 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 1.922.
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 have also broken the school mark with 31 attempts twice this season -- vs. the Purple Aces, and January 27 against Michigan.
According to Stats, Inc., the Wildcats entered the week eighth in the nation with 564 of its 1,327 field-goal attempts this season coming from beyond the arc (42.5 percent). In addition, NU is tied for third in the Big Ten's overall stats averaging 6.88 treys made per game.
DEE-FENSE!
Currently, the Wildcats are fourth in the Big Ten in overall scoring defense, allowing 64.0 points per game. They are behind Wisconsin (55.7), Ohio State (62.2) and Michigan State (63.1).
TAKING MORE THAN THEY GIVE
In Big Ten play this year, Northwestern has committed 168 turnovers and forced 171 turnovers. While the +0.11 turnover margin is only seventh among Big Ten teams, compare it to a year ago when NU's margin was -3.44 (280 committed/225 forced). Overall, NU has a +0.58 ratio (354 committed/369 forced). The Wildcats have forced more turnovers than they have committed in seven of the last 10 games.
In 13 Big Ten games this season, NU has forced more turnovers than they have committed eight times. At Michigan State, both teams committed 10 turnovers.
SHARE THE WEALTH
Another staple among Coach Carmody's teams is how many baskets come directly off a pass. According to Stats, Inc., Northwestern entered the week sixth nationally with 67.9 percent of its field goals coming off an assist (361 of 532). In addition, Northwestern boasts a 1.01 assist/turnover ratio in Big Ten play this year (170 assists/168 turnovers) which is sixth in the conference. Compare that to a year ago, when the 'Cats' ratio was 0.67 (188 assists/280 turnovers).
A PAIR OF THIEVES
Northwestern has two players among the Big Ten Conference's overall steal leaders. Jitim Young is averaging 1.69 steals per game and is fourth in the conference, while Collier Drayton averages 1.38 per game which places him 10th.
BOMBS AWAY
Sophomore guard Winston Blake tied Todd Leslie's single-game record with seven 3-pointers on January 27 against Michigan, and has 70 treys this season which puts him fourth on NU's single-season list. He is second behind Penn State's Joe Crispin in the Big Ten statistics for 3-pointers per game overall (2.69) and per conference game (2.69).
`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.
2000-01 PROFILES OF NORTHWESTERN'S EIGHT REGULARS
#3 -- Winston Blake
Soph., F/G, Plano, Texas/Plano Senior
Starter in all 26 games ... Leads team, 22nd in Big Ten with 11.5 points per game (11.3/22nd in Big Ten play) ... Second in the Big Ten in overall 3-pointers per game (2.69) and 3-pointers per game in conference play (2.69) ... Third on the team averaging 30.9 minutes per game ... Led team with 20 points, all in second half, in win over Iowa (2/10) ... Led team with career-high 23 points, tied a school record with seven 3-pointers vs. Michigan (1/27) ... 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 at Michigan State (1/10) ... Led all scorers with 22 points at Ohio State (1/3) ... Led team with 16 points 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 26 games ... Second on the team in scoring, averaging 10.2 ppg ... Second on the team with 58 assists ... Fourth on the team with 3.6 rebounds per game ... Second on the team averaging 31.3 minutes per game ... Team co-leader with 13 points at Indiana (2/14) ... Led team with 13 points, added career-high five steals at Illinois (2/3) ... Scored 16 points and had five assists vs. Buffalo (1/31) ... Had 19 points, four rebounds and four assists vs. Michigan (1/27) ... 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) ... 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 (12/13) ... 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 26 games ... Fourth on the team in scoring, averaging 9.2 ppg ... Leads team, fourth in the Big Ten with 1.69 steals per game (1.85/3rd in Big Ten play) ... Second on team with 3.8 rebounds per game ... Led team with 14 points, tied for team high with six rebounds at Wisconsin (2/18) ... Scored 16 points, collected four steals vs. Iowa (2/10) ... Scored 13 points vs. Minnesota (2/6) ... Scored 11 points, tied for team high with four rebounds at Illinois (2/3) ... Had 16 points, six boards, four steals vs. Buffalo (1/31) ... Collected four assists and four steals vs. Michigan (1/27) ... Scored 10 points, dished out five assists vs. Michigan State (1/24) ... 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 24 of 26 games ... Scored 10 points in 31 minutes at Indiana (2/14) ... Scored eight points, added four rebounds and three assists in season-high 33 minutes vs. Iowa (2/10) ... Scored season-high 11 points in 18 minutes at Illinos (2/3) ... Had five points and three rebounds vs. Buffalo (1/31) ... Scored seven points in seven minutes vs. Michigan State (1/24) ... 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 26 games, starting all but the season opener ... Leads team with 83 assists against 64 turnovers, 1.30 assist-to-turnover ratio is 15th in Big Ten ... Leads team with 33.5 minutes played per game ... Second on team, 10th in the Big Ten with 1.38 steals per game overall (1.23/t-14th in Big Ten play) ... Fifteenth in Big Ten with 3.19 assists per game overall ... Scored nine points, snared career-high nine boards vs. Iowa (2/10) ... Had seven points, six rebounds, four assists and career-high six steals vs. Minnesota (2/6) ... Had career-high nine assists against just one turnover, snared seven rebounds against Buffalo (1/31) ... 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 eight assists vs. Mississippi Valley State (12/2).
#33 - Tavaras Hardy
Jr., C, Joliet, Ill./Providence
Starter in all 26 games ... Third on the team in scoring with 10.0 ppg ... Leads team, 16th in Big Ten in overall rebounding with 5.7 per game (5.5/15th in Big Ten play) ... Leads team, 12th in Big Ten with 1.12 blocks per game overall (1.00/t-10th in Big Ten play) ... Leads team with 87 FT made ... Third on team with 57 assists ... 13 points, 10 rebounds at Indiana (2/14) ... Scored season-best 21 points, had eight boards vs. Buffalo (1/31) ... Had 10 points, team-high six boards and five assists vs. Michigan (1/27) ... Led team with 17 points and four rebounds vs. Michigan State (1/24) ... 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 vs. 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 vs. Kent State ... Had 10 points, career-high 14 rebounds at Pepperdine (12/16).
#44 -- Ed McCants
Fr., G, Marion, Ohio/Marion Catholic
Played in 24 of 26 games ... Averaging 4.6 points and 15.7 minutes per game off the bench ... Second on the team with 25 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 26 games, starting the season opener against Arkansas-Little Rock ... Averaging 7.7 ppg in Big Ten games ... Scored 14 points vs. Minnesota (2/6) ... Scored seven points, tied for team high with four rebounds at Illinois (2/3) ... Had eight points and three assists vs. Michigan State (1/24) ... Led team with 13 points in 17 minutes at Purdue (1/20) ... Had nine points, including two 3-pointers, along with three rebounds and two blocked shots at Michigan State (1/10) ... 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 at Ohio State (1/3) ... Had nine points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals vs. St. Peter's (12/13) ... Had nine points, five boards and two blocked shots vs. Vermont (11/25).
