Wildcats Edged by No. 13 Illinois, 73-66
2/13/2022 4:09:00 PM | Men's Basketball
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Northwestern narrowly erased an 18-point deficit and came within one point at the 6:16 mark of the second half before ultimately dropping Sunday's contest at No. 13 Illinois, 73-66.
NU was stout defensively, finishing with 12 steals. Its highest mark in a Big Ten conference game since March 8, 2012 (12 steals vs. Minnesota). In total, the Wildcat defense forced 20 Illini turnovers.
The Wildcat defense stepped up especially in the second half, limiting the Illini to 8-of-24 shooting from the field (1-of-13 from three), while forcing 14 turnovers. A 19-2 run midway through the second half over a five minute stretch cut the deficit to one.
Ty Berry led the way for the Wildcats with 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting, connecting on his first four threes. Berry's 16 points are the second most points he has scored against a Big Ten opponent in his career.
Casey Simmons provided active minutes in the second half, contributing six points on 3-of-3 shooting with three rebounds, and a career-high three steals. His steal and slam brought the Wildcats within a point.
Chase Audige scored 12 points while leading the team with seven rebounds and three assists. Audige has scored in double figures in four consecutive games. He also had two steals, marking his fifth consecutive game with at least two steals.
The 'Cats look to get back on track on Wednesday, Feb. 16, as they return home to take on Purdue at 8 p.m. CT on BTN.
NU was stout defensively, finishing with 12 steals. Its highest mark in a Big Ten conference game since March 8, 2012 (12 steals vs. Minnesota). In total, the Wildcat defense forced 20 Illini turnovers.
The Wildcat defense stepped up especially in the second half, limiting the Illini to 8-of-24 shooting from the field (1-of-13 from three), while forcing 14 turnovers. A 19-2 run midway through the second half over a five minute stretch cut the deficit to one.
Ty Berry led the way for the Wildcats with 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting, connecting on his first four threes. Berry's 16 points are the second most points he has scored against a Big Ten opponent in his career.
Casey Simmons provided active minutes in the second half, contributing six points on 3-of-3 shooting with three rebounds, and a career-high three steals. His steal and slam brought the Wildcats within a point.
Chase Audige scored 12 points while leading the team with seven rebounds and three assists. Audige has scored in double figures in four consecutive games. He also had two steals, marking his fifth consecutive game with at least two steals.
The 'Cats look to get back on track on Wednesday, Feb. 16, as they return home to take on Purdue at 8 p.m. CT on BTN.
Team Stats
NU
Illini
FG%
.387
.431
3FG%
.292
.345
FT%
.611
.684
RB
30
47
TO
13
20
STL
12
7
Game Leaders
Scoring
Players Mentioned
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