Northwestern Falls to Merrimack in Season Opener

Friday, November 8

Evanston, Ill.

7 P.M.

Northwestern

0-1,0-0Big Ten

Merrimack

1-1,0-0NEC

Merrimack

Northwestern

Northwestern Falls to Merrimack in Season Opener

11/8/2019 9:04:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Post Game Notes (PDF)Final Book (PDF)Postgame Presser: Coach Collins Postgame Presser: Nance, Kopp Photo Gallery

EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern fell to Merrimack in its season opener at Welsh-Ryan Arena Friday night, by a score of 71-61.

One of the few returners from last season, sophomore Pete Nance made his presence felt by securing a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds, both career highs. This was Nance's first career double-double, making him the only active Wildcat with one, and the first since Dererk Pardon did so against Ohio State on Mar. 6, 2019.

Five different players made their Wildcat debut including starters Pat Spencer and Ryan Young as well as true first years Boo Buie, Robbie Beran and Jared Jones. Spencer finished the game in double digits as did sophomore Miller Kopp, who also finished 6-6 from the free throw line.

Spencer finished the game with 10 points, five rebounds and two assists, and scored seven straight points for the NU offense early in the second half. Kopp went on a personal 8-0 run in the first 1:40 of the game to give the Wildcats the early lead.

Sophomore guard Ryan Greer also posted a career-high five assists.

Northwestern returns to action on Wednesday against Big East foe Providence. The Wildcats are hosting 80's Night at Welsh-Ryan Arena with an 8 p.m. tip.

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