Northwestern University Athletics
Thursday, January 7
Evanston, Ill.
8 pm CT
Northwestern
6-4,3-3Big Ten
56
vs
81
#12 Illinois
9-3,5-1Big Ten
1
2
F
Illinois
28
53
81
Northwestern
43
13
56
Wildcats Drop Thursday Night Contest to No. 12 Illinois
1/7/2021 10:28:00 PM | Men's Basketball
EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern fell short on Thursday night, 81-56, against the No.12 Illinois Fighting Illini at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Robbie Beran led the Wildcats in scoring for the second-straight game and third time of his career, finishing with 11 points, five boards and a career-high four assists. This marks the first time Beran has led the team in all three of those categories.
The 'Cats forced 15 turnovers in the game with Ty Berry contributing three steals, to match his career-high.
The story of the first half for the 'Cats was defense. NU forced 11 turnovers in the first stanza and capitalized with 12 points off these turnovers. They also held Illinois to 34.8% shooting in the half.
Six different Northwestern players scored five or more points in the first period. Anthony Gaines scored a season-high in the half alone with eight points, leading the 'Cats at the break. The Wildcat bigs were integral to the success of the first half with Beran, Ryan Young, and Pete Nance combining for 20 points, eight boards, and seven assists.
The 'Cats ended the half on a 12-1 run over the last 4:04 of the stanza, holding Illinois without a field goal for the last 5:08 of the period.
Chicago's Big Ten Team will get a brief break before they continue Big Ten action against Ohio State in Columbus. The game is scheduled for Wednesday, January 13th at 6 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Big Ten Network.
In their first matchup against the Buckeyes, the 'Cats came away with a 71-70 home victory over the then No. 23 Ohio State Buckeyes.
Robbie Beran led the Wildcats in scoring for the second-straight game and third time of his career, finishing with 11 points, five boards and a career-high four assists. This marks the first time Beran has led the team in all three of those categories.
The 'Cats forced 15 turnovers in the game with Ty Berry contributing three steals, to match his career-high.
The story of the first half for the 'Cats was defense. NU forced 11 turnovers in the first stanza and capitalized with 12 points off these turnovers. They also held Illinois to 34.8% shooting in the half.
Six different Northwestern players scored five or more points in the first period. Anthony Gaines scored a season-high in the half alone with eight points, leading the 'Cats at the break. The Wildcat bigs were integral to the success of the first half with Beran, Ryan Young, and Pete Nance combining for 20 points, eight boards, and seven assists.
The 'Cats ended the half on a 12-1 run over the last 4:04 of the stanza, holding Illinois without a field goal for the last 5:08 of the period.
Chicago's Big Ten Team will get a brief break before they continue Big Ten action against Ohio State in Columbus. The game is scheduled for Wednesday, January 13th at 6 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Big Ten Network.
In their first matchup against the Buckeyes, the 'Cats came away with a 71-70 home victory over the then No. 23 Ohio State Buckeyes.
Team Stats
Illini
NU
FG%
.491
.327
3FG%
.407
.300
FT%
.762
.778
RB
41
29
TO
15
13
STL
4
10
Game Leaders
Pts
11
FGM
3
3FGM
2
FTM
3
Pts
9
FGM
3
3FGM
1
FTM
2
Pts
9
FGM
3
3FGM
1
FTM
2
Pts
8
FGM
2
3FGM
0
FTM
4
Players Mentioned
F
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's Basketball
C
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