Northwestern University Athletics
Finally, The 'Cats Have Come Back to Welsh-Ryan!
2/4/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb. 4, 2003
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EVANSTON, Ill. - Talk about role reversal.
Before this season began, and even during a non-conference season in which Northwestern went 8-3, Wildcat coach Bill Carmody seemed a lone voice of caution while fans and media around the program sang the praises of his team.
There is a reason Carmody is the head coach, of course-his concerns have reared themselves up, making him a prophet. An injury before the season to Vedran Vukusic set the Wildcats behind the eight-ball right away; the freshmen have had ups and downs, as first-year players are prone to in this conference; balance has been lacking, especially in recent road games; and size has been a factor, as the 'Cats have struggled to hold their own on the boards.
The result is an 0-7 start in the conference, and with each loss it seems as if the list of naysayers grows.
However, following Saturday's Ohio State game there was Carmody in the locker room, telling his team how much he believed in them.
"You are not far from being a good team in the league," he said. "I am not trying to con you. I believe that. But YOU need to believe that."
The schedule certainly favors the possibility of a turnaround. Tonight's game is the first of three in a row at home, and in fact six of NU's next eight contests are right here at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
GAME 19 -- Northwestern (8-10, 0-7) vs. Indiana (14-6, 4-3)
Date/Time: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003/8 p.m. CST
Site: Welsh-Ryan Arena (Evanston)
Capacity: 8,117
Television: ESPN Plus (WCIU in Chicago)
(Wayne Larrivee, PBP; John Laskowski, analyst)
Radio: WGN 720 AM (also on wgnradio.com)
(Dave Eanet, PBP; David Kaplan, analyst)
