Tennessee State (0-2) At Northwestern (1-1)
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GAME NOTES: The Northwestern Wildcats continue a four-game homestand to start the 2009-10 season, as they welcome the Tennessee State Tigers to Evanston this afternoon as part of the Chicago Invitational.
The Wildcats are 1-1 on the young season, routing Northern Illinois in the season-opener (77-55), before falling to nationally-ranked Butler last Wednesday, 67-54. NU will close out its season-opening homestand on Tuesday against Liberty before heading to the UIC Pavilion to continue play in this event.
The Tigers have dropped both their games on the season by large margins, getting blasted by both Siena at home (85-68) and Northern Illinois on the road (85-57). TSU will continue play in this event with Tuesday's trip to Iowa State.
This marks the first-ever meeting between these two programs.
Shooting woes have plagued the Tigers in the early going and it was apparent in the recent loss to the Huskies, as TSU converted just 35 percent from the floor, compared to a scorching 54 percent for NIU. Foul trouble made it difficult for the Tigers to get back into a rhythm, as the team trailed 25-8 with over 12 minutes to play in the first half. Jacquan Nobles had a solid outing however, coming off the bench to lead the way with 21 points, thanks to 5-of-6 from three-point range. Darius Cox provided 12 points in the setback, but was the only other significant contributor at the offensive end. After two games, Nobles and Robert Covington pace the team with 13.0 ppg apiece. Josh Sain is next at 12.5 ppg, with Cox adding 10.0 ppg.
Michael Thompson led the way with a game-high 16 points, but it wasn't enough, as Butler's long range accuracy in the second half provided enough of a cushion in what became a 13-point setback for the hometown Wildcats. John Shurna had a strong outing as well for NU, just missing a double-double with 14 points and nine rebounds. Over the first two games, Thompson is shooting a rather pedestrian .412 from the floor, although he still leads the team in scoring at 14.0 ppg. Shurna is also struggling from the floor (.400), but has averaged 12.5 ppg, while making his mark on the boards as well (team-high 7.0 rpg). Jeremy Nash is also averaging double digits in the early stages of the season at 11.0 ppg. The Wildcats however, are averaging just 65.5 ppg and must improve on their .404 shooting percentage to be competitive this year, especially in Big Ten play.
The Wildcats are home for this one and Tennessee State has given up a lot of points. Both facts should work in Northwestern's favor this afternoon.
Predicted OutcomeNorthwestern 79, Tennessee State 62Copyright 2009 Courtesy of The Sports Network.
