Northwestern University Athletics
NU Welcomes Howard, Yale to Welsh-Ryan Arena
11/18/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 18, 2012
Northwestern (2-0) vs. Howard Bison (0-3)
Monday, Nov. 19 • 7 p.m.
Evanston, Ill. (Welsh-Ryan Arena)
Live Video: Wildcats All-Access
Live Audio: WNUR (89.3 FM)
Live Stats: Gametracker
In-Game Tweets: @NU_SportsLIVE
Northwestern (2-0) vs. Yale Bulldogs (1-2)
Wednesday, Nov. 21 • 11 a.m.
Evanston, Ill. (Welsh-Ryan Arena)
Live Video: Wildcats All-Access
Live Stats: Gametracker
In-Game Tweets: @NU_SportsLIVE
EVANSTON, Ill. -- So far so good for the Wildcats this year as they sit at 2-0, and they will look to continue this pace with matchups against a pair of teams from the East Coast early this week. First, Northwestern welcomes the Howard Bison to Welsh-Ryan Arena, Monday at 7 p.m. for the their first ever contest against NU. The Yale Bulldogs will follow on Wednesday morning at 11 a.m., and provide a little basketball appetizer for the Wildcats' Thanksgiving.
'Cats Out to 2-0 Start
Northwestern is out to a perfect 2-0 start after a pair of 10-point victories during the team's opening weekend of competition. The Wildcats knocked off UT-Martin, a 2012 NCAA Tournament team, 79-69 during the home-opener at Welsh-Ryan Arena and then two days later, defeated Central Michigan, 82-72 at home.
Tough Schedule
Coach McKeown is looking get his team into gear early this year, with more matchups against tough mid-majors. Howard narrowly missed a trip to the 2012 NCAA Tournament, losing in the MEAC Championship game by one point. This will be the 'Cats' third straight opponent to have played in their conference's championship game last year.
Douglas Tabbed Big Ten Freshman of the Week
Northwestern freshman Lauren Douglas brought home the first Big Ten Freshman of the Week award for the season. The Collierville, Tenn., native received this week's accolades for averaging 13.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game in NU's opening weekend of play. She posted her first collegiate double-double against Central Michigan, finishing with 20 points and 10 rebounds while adding two assists and two blocks in the win.
Feeling Right At Home
The Northwestern newcomers have made key contributions for the Wildcats as two different freshmen have led the team in scoring in the first two games. Against UT-Martin, five freshmen logged their first minutes as Wildcats, and freshman Maggie Lyon led the team with 21 points on 53 percent shooting. Against Central Michigan, all Wildcat starters scored in double figures, but freshman Lauren Douglas led the way 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Opponent Profile
Howard Bison
2011-12 Record: 24-9
Series History: 0-0 (First Meeting)
Of Note: Last year's runner-up in the MEAC Conference will make their first-ever trip to Welsh-Ryan Arena. Although the Bison are still looking for their first win on the year, they are coming off a strong performance against No. 8 Penn State. Howard senior Saadia Doyle has to be on the Wildcats' radar, as she scored 36 points in State College, even though the Nittany Lions were still victorious 72-61.
Opponent Profile
Yale Bulldogs
2011-12 Record: 16-12
Series History: NU leads 2-0
Last Meeting: Dec. 6, 2002 in Evanston, Ill; Northwestern 54, Yale 44
Of Note: Yale freshman Nyasha Sarju excited many Bulldog fans in her first game last week, leading her team in scoring with 18 points. Yale captured its first win of the season Saturday with a narrow 84-82 victory over Houston.
Up Next
After Monday and Wednesday's games, NU closes out its three-game week and five-game homestand Sunday against Loyola at 2 p.m. Sunday's game is the team's annual Autism Awareness Day. More information can be found at here.
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