Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
Wisconsin
Northwestern to Face Wisconsin in Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals
3/14/2024 1:36:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Northwestern (21-10, 12-8 B1G) finished tied for third in the Big Ten standings, tying the program record for most conference wins in a season (2022-23). NU has recorded a top-three finish in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1958-59 (t-2nd) and 1959-60 (t-3rd).
The Wildcats matched their program record for regular season wins this year with 21 (2016-17, 2022-23). For the first time in program history, Northwestern won 21 regular season games in back-to-back seasons. Sullivan-Ubben Head Men's Basketball Coach Chris Collins has guided the team to four seasons of 20-plus wins (2015-16, 2016-17, 2022-23, 2023-24).
For the second straight season, Northwestern earned a double-bye to the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals, while claiming its second-highest seed in program history (4). Last season's No. 2 seed is the highest in school history.
Northwestern's five NET Quad 1 wins (Purdue, Dayton, Michigan State, Illinois, at Maryland) rank third-most in the Big Ten. NU's 10-9 mark in Quad 1 and Quad 2 games ranks 19th nationally.
The Wildcats had a successful awards haul on Tuesday, as Boo Buie was named the first unanimous All-Big Ten First Team selection in program history, and Brooks Barnhizer earned Third Team and All-Defensive Team recognition. Buie is one of just two Wildcats to earn multiple First Team selections in school history, joining Evan Eschmeyer (3x - 1996-97, 1997-98, 1998-99). Barnhizer joins Chase Audige (2023) as the only players in program history to be named to the All-Defensive Team and All-Big Ten in the same season.
Buie is Northwestern's leading 3-point shooter, converting on 78 three point field goals after making 64 all of last season. Buie improved his 3-point percentage from 32.8% (64-for-201) to 43.3% (78-for-181) this season, which ranks 11th nationally and second in the Big Ten.
Barnhizer is averaging 14.6 points per game (second on the team, 15th in the Big Ten), a team-best 7.3 rebounds per game (eighth in the Big Ten), and 1.9 steals per game, which leads the team and ranks fourth in the Big Ten. Barnhizer's 7.3 rebounds per game leads the Big Ten among guards.
Since joining the starting lineup on Feb. 11 against Penn State, forward Nick Martinelli is averaging 13.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. He has scored in double figures in four straight games, including a career-high 27 points at Maryland on Feb. 28.
Last time out, Northwestern defeated Minnesota 90-66 on March 9 inside Welsh-Ryan Arena. The 'Cats scored 53 points in the first half, their most in a first half since scoring 55 against Chicago State on Dec. 11, 2017. Northwestern only committed one turnover in the game, occurring with just two minutes remaining, setting a record for fewest turnovers in a game inside Welsh-Ryan Arena (since 1983-84). Buie and Barnhizer tied for the team lead, scoring 23 points each.
Northwestern and Wisconsin (20-12) have squared off twice in the Big Ten Tournament, most recently in 2017, with Wisconsin taking both meetings. UW claimed this season's only meeting, defeating Northwestern 71-63 on Saturday, Jan. 13 at the Kohl Center.
The Badgers defeated Maryland 87-56 in the Second Round of the Big Ten Tournament behind 64% (16-for-25) shooting from beyond the arc on Thursday. John Blackwell led the Badgers with 18 points.
The winner of Friday's quarterfinal will advance to Saturday's semifinal at Noon CT on CBS against either Purdue or Michigan State.
