Northwestern Hosts #15 Michigan State in Big Ten Home Opener

NORTHWESTERN MEN'S BASKETBALL: GAMEDAY INFORMATION
DATE	Opponent	TIME	LOCATION	Live Stats	Live Stream
Wednesday, Dec. 18	#15 Michigan State	7 p.m. CT	Evanston, Ill. (Welsh-Ryan Arena)	Live Stats	Big Ten Network
Radio: ESPN 1000 \| Social: Twitter (@NUMensBball) \| Instagram (@NUMensBball ) Game Notes \| Digital Game Program

EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern will resume conference play on Wednesday night as the Wildcats welcome #15 Michigan State to Welsh-Ryan Arena in their Big Ten home opener. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Big Ten Network and can be heard on ESPN 1000 radio.

Last time out, the Wildcats cruised to a 72-54 victory over SIU-Edwardsville. Redshirt first-year Ryan Young paced the Wildcats with a career-high 25 points, Young was one of three 'Cats players to score in double figures, as Pat Spencer added 15 points to go along with four rebounds and four assists and junior Anthony Gaines chipped in with 13 points of his own.

The Wildcats will square off against the 15th-ranked Spartans for the 130th time in program history and the first ranked opponent the Wildcats will face this season.

STORYLINES

Last Time Out: The Wildcats finished with season-highs in assists (20), steals (10), forced turnovers (18) and a season-low in turn- overs committed with six. It was the first time during the Chris Collins era that Northwestern had at least 20 assists and fewer than six turnovers in a game.

Young, the Giant: Ryan Young's 25 points were the most by an NU player this season and most by an NU rookie in a game since Dererk Pardon tallied 28 at Nebraska on 12/30/15.

Did You Know?: Ryan Young became the first player this season from a Power Five team to tally at least 25 points, 12 rebounds and four assists in a game (vs. SIUE; 12/15/19).

QUOTABLES

"We try to hang our hat on our defense. Something our guys always take pride in is begin a defensive unit."

- Sullivan-Ubben Head Men's Basketball Coach Chris Collins on the team's defensive performace

"Every game is important and every game matters and we take each opportunity to grow and get better."

- Junior Guard Anthony Gaines

"Confidence will be key for us heading into Wednesday's game. A more experienced team will expect us to fold early on. I just think a big factor will be confidence in each other and our ability to win."

- Redshirt first-year Ryan Young on the team's mindset heading into Wednesday's matchup

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Northwestern Hosts #15 Michigan State in Big Ten Home Opener

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Players Mentioned

Anthony Gaines

Dererk Pardon

Pat Spencer

Ryan Young

Northwestern University Athletics