Northwestern
SIU-Edwardsville
'Cats Return Home to Host SIUE On Sunday
12/14/2019 2:47:00 PM | Men's Basketball
| NORTHWESTERN MEN'S BASKETBALL: GAMEDAY INFORMATION | |||||
| DATE | Opponent | TIME | LOCATION | Live Stats | Live Stream |
| Sunday, Dec. 15 | SIU-Edwardsville | 3 p.m. CT | Evanston, Ill. (Welsh-Ryan Arena) |
Live Stats | ESPNU |
| Radio: WGN 720 | Social: Twitter (@NUMensBball) | Instagram (@NUMensBball) Game Notes | Digital Game Program |
|||||
EVANSTON, Ill. - After a four-game road stretch, the Northwestern Wildcats return home to Welsh-Ryan Arena to host SIUE for a Sunday afternoon matchup. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. CT.
Last time out, Northwestern dropped its Big Ten opener on the road at Purdue on Dec. 8, 58-44. The Wildcats held the Boilermakers to 58 points, which is the fewest amount of points Purdue has scored at Mackey Arena since scoring 58 against Wisconsin on Jan. 25, 2014.
The Wildcats and the SIUE Cougars are meeting for the sixth time. The 'Cats own a 5-0 lead in the all-time meetings. Northwestern and SIUE last met on Dec. 5, 2015, when the Wildcats posted an 81-56 victory over the Cougars thanks in large part to 21 points from Alex Olah and 17 points from Aaron Falzon.
STORYLINES
Bench Points: Northwestern's bench outscored Purdue's by an 18-6 margin. First year Robbie Beran led all reserve players seven points.
Go With the Hot Hand: In eight games this season, Northwestern has had five different players lead the team in scoring. Four of the five players are underclassmen (Kopp, Nance, Young, Buie) and the fifth is graduate transfer Pat Spencer. Spencer is the lone Wildcat to lead the team in scoring in back-to-back games (23 vs. Bradley; 18 vs. Pittsburgh).
Split(s) the Difference: Every game this season has decided by nine-or-more points. Take a look at NU's splits in wins and losses:
• Winning Margins: 9 points, 11 points, 27 points, 18 points
• Losing Margins: 10 points, 11 points, 13 points, 14 points
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wins: 75.5 points, 26.0 made FG, 48.4% FG, 7.75 made 3FG
• Losses: 55.0 points, 19.2 made FG, 35.3 FG%, 4.25 made 3FG
QUOTABLES
"We're a super young team that's growing and getting better. Where we are now compared to where we were in game one is completely different. We're a better team. Guys are getting experience and developing their confidence."
- Sullivan-Ubben Head Men's Basketball Coach Chris Collins on the team's growth this season
"For us to not be rattled going into Purdue and to compete at a high level, we're getting better but we got to learn how to win. It's a long journey but I feel we're getting better and I'm proud of this team and the toughness and growth they've showed. "
- Collins on the team's performance at Purdue
"The only way you can learn is by being in the games You can't simulate these tough environments, the crowd, the fatigue and being in these arenas and that's why I'm proud of these guys and the way we responded."
- Collins on the team's response to a tough road environment
••••••
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!
