By Mike Marut
NU Era Round 2 is officially underway with half of coach Chris Collins’s squad being freshmen. The Wildcats started out strong, winning the tip and scoring 15 unanswered points and forcing McKendree to take rushed shots and make hurried plays. If NU didn’t have enough momentum, a charge taken within the first four and a half minutes added to it. The ‘Cats’ defense seemed spot on to start the game and Collins made sure to keep the team breathing making substitutions early and often.
Uncle Mo’ ran alongside NU tonight especially after Vic Law threw down the first dunk of the season. Alex Olah led the offense as the only double digit scorer while five players recorded more than one rebound. The first half was a blowout by the ‘Cats, having multiple And-1’s, charges, scorers (10 players put up points) and going 6 for 9 from beyond the arc. With a hand in every passing lane and bodies on the floor for loose balls, it’s clear the 2014-2015 team will be a force to be reckoned with.
One aspect NU still needs work on: free throws (5/12 in the first half).
Halftime Score: 57 Northwestern 24 McKendree