Northwestern University Athletics
'Cats Face Michigan In Final Regular-Season Home Game
2/17/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 17, 2007
Michigan Game Notes
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EVANTSON, Ill. -- Following two-consecutive solid performances, Northwestern will conclude the regular-season home schedule Sunday afternoon when it hosts Michigan in a 2 p.m. contest. The last time the Wildcats challenged an opponent on its home court, they defeated Penn State, 64-61, to earn their first conference win of the season. Sunday is Senior Day, the last time A.J. Glasauer and Holly Palin will play in Welsh-Ryan Arena and admission is just $2 in celebration of Fan Appreciation Day.
Last Time Out ...
The Wildcats turned in their best shooting half of the season, a 64 percent effort from the field, but No. 24 Michigan State narrowly eked out a 68-63 victory Thursday night at the Breslin Center. Northwestern outscored the Spartans by seven in the second half, thanks to an 11-point second-half effort from senior A.J. Glasauer a seven-point contribution from Kristin Cartwright.
Down as many as 20 points in the first half, Northwestern entered halftime on an 8-0 run, cutting the lead to 36-24.
The Wildcats opened the second frame with the same momentum, using a 9-4 spurt, capped off by a 3-pointer by Beth Marshall to close to within 42-33 with 15:00 remaining.
Nearly two minutes later, a trey by Cartwright cut the Spartan lead to six, 44-38. Four minutes passed with only one made basket, which proved to be the calm before a flurry of game-ending scoring. Over the remaining 9:34, the two squads combined for 45 points.
MSU increased the lead to 53-43, but Northwestern ran off six unanswered points to chop the difference to 53-49 with 5:41 remaining. The Spartans answered with three baskets, inflating the gap to eight with four minutes left.
Every time NSU seemed poised to seal the game, the 'Cats produced a score or a steal.
This time, a jumper by Cartwright and a steal by Marshall--which led to a three-point play by Sara Stutz--hacked the lead to four. Glasauer nailed a clutch jumper with just under a minute to pull the 'Cats to within a bucket.
Northwestern was forced to foul the Spartans with :27 left after MSU pulled down an offensive board. It then became a test of making free throws for Michigan State. And make them they did, dialing up an 8-of-8 performance to pull out the victory.
Scouting the Wolverines
Michigan enters today's game after nearly knocking off No. 16 Purdue at home on Thursday. The Wolverines played Indiana to a two-point game back on Jan. 28 and Wisconsin to a three-point affair on Jan. 11. Besides those three close games, the rest of the Wolverines' Big Ten losses have come by an average of 19.8 ppg. U-M is led by Krista Phillips who is averaging 8.6 ppg and 4.6 rpg, both team-highs.
The Series with Michigan
Northwestern holds a 32-18 advantage in the all-time series. The 'Cats have won two out of the last three games, despite losing to the Wolverines 61-49 on Feb. 4 at Crisler. Sophomore Kristin Cartwright pulled down a career-high 11 rebounds and A.J. Glasauer led the way with 18 points in the loss. The last time Michigan visited Welsh-Ryan Arena was in 2005 when NU defeated them, 66-59.
Cartwright Elevating Her Game
Since entering the starting line up against Wisconsin on Jan. 21, Kristin Cartwright has been the team's third-leading scorer, averaging 8.5 ppg. The sophomore has scored in double-figures in four out of the last five games, and the one contest she did not, Cartwright pulled down a career-high 11 rebounds. She is third on the team in rebounding, grabbing 4.3 rpg.
Rookie Renaissance
Freshmen Kaitlin McInerney and Beth Marshall have made statements early in their Wildcat careers. McInerney is shooting a team-best 49 percent (74-of-150) from the field while also pulling down 5.6 rpg. She recorded the first double-double of her career on Dec. 16 against Nebraska, scoring 10 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. The Oak Brook, Ill., native has been the 'Cats leading rebounder in seven games so far this season. Marshall has started the last eight games at the point and recorded a career-high 14 points in NU's 64-61 victory against Penn State on Sunday. At Michigan State on Thursday, Marshall hit a clutch 3-pointer in NU's comeback while also contributing 10 points.
Playing the Best to be the Best
According to collegeRPI.com, Northwestern is playing the 23rd strongest schedule in the country. The Wildcats' slate includes six opponents in last season's AP top-25, and five that are currently in the top-25, or receiving votes in this week's poll. Those six include No. 4 Ohio State, No. 13 Purdue and No. 24 Michigan State. Mississippi is among those receiving votes.
Taking Care of the Rock
Northwestern's 12 turnovers against Ohio State on Jan. 14 was the lowest of the season. The 'Cats forced a dozen Buckeye mishaps as well.
Besting Last Season
Northwestern's 64-61 victory against Penn State on Sunday pushed the season win total to seven games, surpassing last year's season win-total of six.
For complete game notes, please click on the PDF above.
