Wildcats Set to Begin Six-Game Homestand on Sunday
The Northwestern men's basketball team kicks off its longest homestand in 20 seasons by welcoming Prairie View A&M to Welsh-Ryan Arena at 1 p.m. CT on Sunday, Dec. 11. BTN will televise the game with Jason Ross Jr. (play-by-play) and Andy Katz (analyst) on the call, while Dave Eanet (play-by-play) and Billy McKinney (analyst) will describe the action on AM 720 WGN.
The Wildcats (6-2) are coming off a road win at No. 20 Michigan State last Sunday, 70-63. After falling behind 17-10, Northwestern went on an 8-0 run with 12:15 left in the first half to take an 18-17 lead, and never trailed the remainder of the game. Northwestern shot 50% from the field in the first 20 minutes. The Wildcats went a season-best 21-for-24 from the free-throw line, including a 9-for-10 mark in the second half.
It's the third-straight year that the 'Cats have toppled a ranked Spartans team, pushing Chris Collins' record against MSU to 7-3. Northwestern had three players in double figures, led by Boo Buie who scored 20 points. Chase Audige had 15 points and four steals and Ty Berry posted 11 points. Buie had his 11th 20+ point game of his career, and the third against Michigan State. NU won back-to-back games in East Lansing for the first time since 1962-63 and won three of the last four meetings against the Spartans for the first time since 1982-84.
Northwestern's defense continues to shine early in the season. The 'Cats have allowed opponents to score just 57.5 points per game, ranking 12th nationally and second in the Big Ten in scoring defense. The Wildcats lead the conference and rank sixth in the nation with a 35.4% opponent field goal percentage. Northwestern has already held five opponents under 60 points this year, matching their season totals from 2019-20 and 2020-21. Chase Audige ranks second in the Big Ten averaging 2.5 steals per game, and is tied for second nationally with four games with four or more steals.
Northwestern and Prairie View A&M will meet for the first time on the hardwood. A game between the two schools was scheduled for Dec. 30, 2021, but was canceled by mutual agreement between the programs. The Wildcats are 13-1 all-time against SWAC schools, with a 13-0 record at home.
The Panthers are 4-4 this season, dropping their last two contests at Oklahoma State (78-53) and Rice (70-62). Graduate student Will Douglas leads the team averaging 15.9 points per game, and is shooting over 50% from the field. The Panthers are 8-4 at home over the past two seasons but 4-17 on the road.
NU last had a homestand of six or more games when the 2002-03 team hosted seven straight games inside Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Northwestern continues its long home stretch next Saturday, hosting DePaul at 1 p.m. CT on BTN. The team is hosting Evanston Day against the Blue Demons, with discounted tickets available to all City of Evanston residents. Cummunity leaders will also be recognized throughout the game.
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