Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Head North To Meet Marquette
12/14/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 14, 2007
EVANSTON, Ill. -- After a week hiatus due to finals, the Wildcats head to Milwaukee to battle the Golden Eagles in a 7 p.m. contest Monday evening. The last time Northwestern took the floor was Dec. 6 against Seton Hall when it suffered a 66-51 defeat at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Senior Sara Stutz topped the Wildcat scoring column with 12 points while freshman Shantina Boyd contributed a career-high nine points, thanks to a 5-of-9 performance from the charity stripe.
Freshman Meshia Reed leads the Wildcats offensively, averaging 9.8 ppg and has been NU's most reliable outside threat, knocking down 10-of-16 from beyond the arc. Junior transfer Ellen Jaeschke is second on the team in points, averaging 9.6 per contest and 5.8 rpg, which is second only to senior Nadia Bibbs' 7.5 rpg.
As a team, Northwestern is out-shooting its opponents, knocking down 36 percent of its looks compared to 34 percent by the opposition. The Wildcats are also dishing out 14.2 assists per game compared to opponents' 13.3.
Scouting the Golden Eagles
Marquette hosts Indiana State Saturday before turning around and facing Northwestern Monday evening. Prior to Saturday's game, the Golden Eagles hold a 4-3 overall record, having most recently dropped a 74-55 decision at Kansas. NU is Marquette's second contest against a Big Ten team this season, as it defeated Wisconsin 67-53 back on November 17. The Golden Eagles also have disposed of another squad that is familiar to the Wildcats, besting Loyola (Chicago), 82-69.
The Golden Eagles are led by All-Big East point guard Krystal Ellis, who is averaging 20.5 ppg in the only four games she has played this season. Containing Ellis will be key for the Wildcats, as she has scored in double-figures in 25 consecutive games. Svetlana Kovalenko is MU's leading rebounder, pulling down 8.6 rpg.
The Series Against Marquette
Northwestern holds a 7-2 advantage in the all-time series with the Golden Eagles. The last time these two teams met, Marquette pulled out an 81-77 victory on Nov. 23, 1997. The Wildcats won the first five games of the series, which began in 1977.
Around The League
Northwestern ranks in the upper half of several statistical categories. In the most recent statistics, the Wildcats' defensive tenacity is revealed as they rank first in defensive rebounds (27.60) and second in field goal percentage defense (.349). The 'Cats are third in blocked shots (4.20) and fourth in rebounding offense (39.1).
New Kids On The Block
The Wildcats are using their new-found height for good things. NU is third in the conference in blocked shots, averaging 4.20 per game. As a team, they have swatted 42 opponent attempts and Ellen Jaeschke has blocked 17 alone. Melissa Miller has swatted six while Kaitlin McInerney had five blocks before going down with an ACL tear.
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