Northwestern University Athletics
'Cats Clash With Redbirds Thursday
11/16/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 16, 2011
Northwestern (2-0) vs. Illinois State (1-0)
Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011
Welsh-Ryan Arena (8,117)
Evanston, Ill. • 7 p.m.
Streaming Video: BTDN
Gametracker: NUsports.com
In-game Twitter updates: @NU_SportsLIVE
Northwestern Game Notes (PDF)
Illinois State Game Notes (PDF)
EVANSTON--Northwestern (2-0) takes to the court for the second time in three days Thursday evening, hosting Missouri Valley Conference runner-up Illinois State in a 7 p.m. contest. The game will be streamed live on the Big Ten Digital Network (NUsports.com).
Opponent Profile
Illinois State Redbirds
Location: Normal, Ill.
Series History: Northwestern leads, 7-4
Last meeting: March 21, 1996, Northwestern, 93-71 (opening round postseason NIT)
Two things you need to know about Illinois State: The Redbirds were picked sixth in the 2011-12 MVC Preseason Poll after losing all five starters from last year's WNIT semifinal squad. Junior transfer Jamie Russell led ISU to a 63-52 victory in their season opener over Ball State with 19 points and four steals.
Catching up with the 'Cats
All-Around Roser
Through two games, freshman Karly Roser has been an assist machine, averaging 9 per outing, which ranks second in the conference. Against Western Kentucky, the Canadian posted the first double-double of her career, a 12-point, 10-assist effort complimented by seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
Spreading The Love
Unlike seasons past when Northwestern's offense centered around one player, this year is shaping up to be one of a more democratic nature. All five starters for the Wildcats are averaging double digits, led by junior Kendall Hackney with 17.5 points and seven rebounds. Two freshmen, Morgan Jones and Karly Roser, have stepped up in big ways, earning starting slots and averaging 27 and 33 minutes per game, respectively. Roser turned in her first double digit effort last time out against Western Kentucky.
Wildcats Topple Hilltoppers In Home Opener
Northwestern used a 53 percent second-half shooting effort and a balanced scoring attack to topple Western Kentucky, 71-57, Tuesday evening at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Four Wildcats turned in double-digit performances, led by junior Kendall Hackney with 17 points. Freshman Karly Roser nearly recorded a triple double with 12 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. With the victory, the Wildcats remain unbeaten, improving to 2-0 on the season.
Also shining for the `Cats was Dannielle Diamant who stepped up big in the post, turning in a 15-point, nine rebound effort, while Brittany Orban turned in a steady evening with 11 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Welcome, Ms. Jones
When junior Tailor Jones looks to make a slick pass this year, she will have an all-too-familiar face to dish to. Her sister, Morgan, is a member of the outsanding freshman class and was ranked ninth in the nation and third at her position by Hoopgurlz. The sisters have played together on AAU teams in high school
Complete game notes will be available in the near future.
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