North Cook News

Wildcats Prepare for Rematch With Purdue

Northwestern women's basketball is back on the road as they prepare for a rematch with Purdue, this one at Mackey Arena. Tip-off between the 'Cats and the Boilermakers is set for 1:00 p.m. CT.

The Wildcats (8-16, 1-12) will look to halt a three-game losing streak after falling to No. 8 Maryland on Thursday at Welsh-Ryan Arena. After taking a lead into the first quarter break, the 'Cats couldn't keep it up, and ended up falling to the Terrapins, 54-79. They'll try to bounce back against a Purdue team (16-7, 7-6) that took a 65-54 victory out of Welsh-Ryan Arena in January.

Despite the string of losses, the 'Cats have continued to receive solid performances from Paige Mott, who has been their leading scorer in six of their last seven games. The junior has reached double-digit scoring in seven straight, including a career-high 20 points in Northwestern's victory over Wisconsin. 

Also in on the action has been Sydney Wood, who scored seven points, collected four rebounds and grabbed five steals against Maryland. The defensive effort gave her 58 total steals on the season, good for second in the Big Ten and 27th in the nation. Wood has collected at least three steals in nearly half of her games this year (11-of-22) and has grabbed five steals on four separate occasions.

As a team, the 'Cats are still leading the Big Ten in blocks per game. Caileigh Walsh leads the roster and ranks fifth in the conference with 29 on the year, and Wood is second to her and sixth in the Big Ten, with 27. Northwestern's 4.7 blocks per game ranks 26th in the NCAA.

After Sunday's game, the 'Cats will continue their road stint against Rutgers on Wednesday. Tip-off in Piscataway is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT.

Original source can be found here