Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
6-9,3-8Big Ten
Rutgers
10-6,6-6Big Ten
Wildcats' Comeback Falls Short vs. Rutgers
1/31/2021 8:55:00 PM | Men's Basketball
EVANSTON Ill. – Northwestern battled back from an early deficit, but ultimately came up short in a 64-56 setback against Rutgers on Sunday night.
Three 'Cats finished the night in double digits, with Miller Kopp leading the way with 15. Ryan Young and Chase Audige both chipped in 14 apiece.
Kopp and Young both found significant success at the charity stripe, with Young finishing 6-of-8 while Kopp finished 4-of-5. The Wildcats shot 71 percent from the line, out performing Rutgers' 59 percent. Meanwhile, Audige was all over the court for the 'Cats, posting two of the four Wildcat makes from deep to go along with a pair of emphatic dunks. He was also active on the defensive end, racking up a career-high five steals.
Northwestern got off to a slow start and Rutgers was able to build an early lead of as many as 20. However, Northwestern responded in a big way to close the first half. A dunk from Audige pumped some energy into the offense and spurred a 18-3 run in the last six minutes of the half cutting the lead, 34-29. Northwestern also locked things down on defense, holding the Knights without a field goal for the final 8:50 of the first half while forcing six turnovers.
Rutgers built up another double-digit In the second half, but in the final five minutes Northwestern was able to mount a 10-0 run to bring the 'Cats back within five. NU traded possessions with Rutgers, but the Knights were able to hold off the Wildcats and take home a win, 64-56.
Northwestern's game against Michigan on Wednesday Feb. 3 has been postponed, so the 'Cats will hit the road to face Purdue at Mackey Arena on Saturday. The tip is set for 3:30 p.m. on the Big Ten Network.
