Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Hosts Wisconsin in 2 p.m. Contest Sunday
2/3/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 3, 2006
Wisconsin Game Notes
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EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern welcomes Wisconsin to Welsh-Ryan Arena for a 2 p.m. tip Sunday afternoon. In action earlier this week, the Wildcats dropped a 79-59 decision to No. 17 Michigan State at home while the Badgers were bested by Indiana, 71-64, at the Kohl Center. Sunday is Northwestern's celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. For more information, see the note at the bottom of this release.
"We will come out strong against Wisconsin. We need to be firing on all cylinders in order to be successful," said head coach Beth Combs. "I am looking forward to seeing our team leave everything on the floor Sunday."
Last Time Out
Four Wildcats scored in double-figures, but it was not enough as Michigan State bested Northwestern, 79-59, Thursday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Sara Stutz, Erin Dickerson, Melissa Miller and Ifeoma Okonkwo all had solid performances as Northwestern pulled to 5-16, 1-9 on the season.
Stutz led the way for Northwestern, scoring a season-high 20 points, including six treys in 13 attempts. Her performance ties Michelle Ratay's 1997 single-game record for most three-point field goals attempted. Stutz's six three's also ties her for second-most three-point field goals made in a game.
Okonkwo and Dickerson combined for 25 points off the bench on 50 percent (8-of-16) shooting. Miller was a presence in the post, notching 10 points and five rebounds.
Michigan State jumped out to an early seven-point lead at the 12-minute mark. They continued to build the difference throughout the first half, leading 38-20 with just over a minute and a half left. But the 'Cats made a late rally, ending the half on a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 38-26.
The Spartans opened the second half on a 14-2 run, extending their lead to 52-28. Northwestern again fought back with renewed enthusiasm, outscoring the Spartans 31-27 from that point on.
Scouting Wisconsin
Since Wisconsin played Northwestern on Jan. 1, the Badgers have only won one conference game, a 75-65 victory at Michigan. UW played without two key starters --Annie Nelson and Janese Banks during that time. Nelson is still out but Banks returned to the lineup on Jan. 26. Wisconsin is led by sophomore Jolene Anderson whois fourth in teh Big Ten overall statistics with 17.8 ppg and leads the team in rebounds (6.8).
The Series
Sunday's game is the 51st time these two teams have met. Northwestern leads the all-time series, 27-23, but Wisconsin has won the last 14 contests. The Badgers won the first meeting this season, a 74-45 decision at the Kohl Center. Freshman Julie Bielawski led the 'Cats with 11 points while Ifeoma Okonkwo and Kristin Cartwright shared top rebounding marks, pulling down five caroms a piece.
'Cats in Your Classroom!
Head women's basketball coach Beth Combs stopped by John Middleton Elementary School in Skokie on Wednesday to talk sports and fitness with the entire fifth grade class. The visit came at the perfect time since Wednesday was National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
Continue to celebrate this event with Coach Combs and the Wildcats this Sunday at 2 pm when the 'Cats take on Wisconsin in Welsh-Ryan Arena. Arrive early to receive free Wildcat giveaways, as well as rally towels from the WNBA's Chicago Sky.
At halftime, all of the Wildcat Women's teams will be recognized for their amazing accomplishments throughout the years with special guest Gail Fischer of Comcast SportsNet. Plus, all fans can meet the Wildcat women's basketball team and WNBA Chicago Sky's Brooke Wyckoff.
General admission tickets for women's basketball start at just $4. Groups of 15 or more get in for just $2 each. Wildcat Women's Basketball is fun for the whole family!
If would like the Northwestern Wildcats to come to your school (8th grade and under), please email wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu to find out how. When the Wildcats come to your classroom, they will bring special gifts, including pizza from Lou Malnati's in Evanston!
