Pardon Drops 20 Points, NU Falls at #2 Michigan, 80-60

1/13/2019 8:29:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Season Stats (PDF)Postgame Radio: Collins Post-Game Notes - NU vs. #2 Michigan Box Score (PDF)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Senior center Dererk Pardon posted the third 20-point game of the Big Ten slate, but Northwestern fell to No. 2 Michigan, 80-60, at the Crisler Center on Sunday evening.

Pardon was a strong 10-for-16 from the field in his 20-point performance. Graduate guard Ryan Taylor also logged a double-digit scoring performance, finishing with 15 points, including four three-pointers.

Northwestern started slowly in the first half but rebounded. The Wildcats missed their first eight field goal attempts of the game but then proceeded to knock down seven of their next eight shots.

The two squads played neck-and-neck in the first portion of the opening stanza, but the Wolverines used a torrid run to take a 50-28 score into halftime.

First-year forward Miller Kopp came off the bench for the first time in his collegiate career and knocked down his first three field goals.

Pardon and Taylor both had double-digit points at the halftime break. Overall, the 'Cats took a 43 percent shooting clip into the locker room.

Northwestern outscored Michigan in the second half, 32-30. The Wildcats utilized a 42 percent field goal clip in the second stanza, compared to Michigan's 36 percent rate.

Pardon has scored in double-figures in 16 of 17 games this season. His 20-point game was the fifth of his career.

First-year forward Pete Nance made the first start of his career and tallied a career highs with four blocks and 30 minutes played. Sophomore guard Anthony Gaines had double-digit rebounds for the first time in his career.

The Wildcats were playing without redshirt senior Vic Law (lower-body injury) in the contest.

Northwestern will play again on Friday, January 18, at Rutgers. Tip from Piscataway, New Jersey, is set for 6 p.m. CT.

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