Northwestern University Athletics
'Cats Visit Champaign; Seek Revenge Against Illini Thursday
2/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 11, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -- After defeating Michigan 60-57 last time out, Northwestern enjoyed its final bye of the 2008-09 season this past weekend and now travels to Champaign, Illinois to battle the Fighting Illini at 7 p.m. Thursday. The contest will be streamed live on the Big Ten Network's website, www.bigtennetwork.com. Following Thursday's game, Northwestern visits Ohio State Sunday for a 10 a.m. CT contest which will be carried live on the Big Ten Network.
Last Time Out ... Northwestern claimed a 60-57 victory over Michigan at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Thursday, Feb. 5. Junior Kristin Cartwright led all scorers with 16 points on 6-of-8 from the field and 4-of-4 from the line. Sophomore Meshia Reed also came up big for the `Cats, contributing 12 points. Amy Jaeschke turned in a solid game, just shy of a double-double, with nine points and eight rebounds. Jenny Eckhart also contributed nine points, five rebounds and a game-high five assists. Northwestern shot an outstanding 50 percent from the field and 90 percent from the free throw line. With the victory, the Wildcats surpassed their win total from last season.
Scouting the Illini
Both squads enter Thursday's contest on the heels of a win, as Illinois knocked-off Indiana for the second time this season and Northwestern dispatched of Michigan, 60-57. Illinois holds a 7-17 record overall and a 3-10 conference mark, but have now won three out of the last four games, its only loss during that stretch coming at home against Michigan State. Junior Jenna Smith continues to pace the Illini offensively, contributing 18 ppg--good for third in the Big Ten--while also chipping in 8.3 rpg. Fellow classmate Lacey Simpson leads the way on the glass, hauling down 9.8 rpg, which ranks second in the conference. She also leads the league in steals with 3.33 per outing. Simpson was named Big Ten Player of the Week this past week after posting a pair of double-doubles against Michigan State and Indiana. Illinois is led by second-year head coach Jolette Law.
The Series against Illinois
Northwestern holds a 31-28 advantage in the all-time series between these two squads. The last time the two teams met was on Jan.29 when Illinois edged out a one-point victory at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Senior Ellen Jaeschke recorded her first double-double of the season, netting 14 points on 5-of-7 from the field and pulling down 11 boards, which also was an individual season-high. Kristin Cartwright joined Jaeschke in double-figures with 12 points, including a 5-of-6 effort from the charity stripe.
A Closer Look At Three Out Of The Last Four Games
Excluding the road game against Purdue and focusing on NU's play over the past two weeks, it's the little things Northwestern has been doing that has made the difference. Three out of the last four games (at Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan) have been decided by an average of 2.3 points. Also in those three contests, the Wildcats are shooting nearly 80 percent from the free-throw line (31-of-29) and out-rebounding their opponents by an average of 6.3 per outing. Northwestern has also recorded 14 blocks during that time compared to its opponents' six, thanks to 10 by Amy Jaeschke.
Jaeschke Etches Her Name In NU Record Books
Sophomore Amy Jaeschke has already clawed her way into the Wildcat record books. Jaeschke now tops the single-season blocks list as she currently has 74 on the season. She also appears in the double-doubles list, notching a team-leading seven so far this season.
For complete game notes, please click on the PDF above.
