When the Wildcats travel to Iowa City to take on the Hawkeyes on Saturday, they’ll be facing on of the most enigmatic teams in the Big Ten.
In their non-conference schedule, Iowa went 11-2 while putting up 80 points seven different times. With their offense rolling, the Hawkeyes were considered a team capable of making a run to the NCAA Tournament.
Since beginning Big Ten play, however, the Hawkeyes have gone just 3-7, and they've yet to crack 80 points. What seemed like an offensive juggernaut has now struggled to put up big numbers against tougher competition.
Still, let’s not forget that Iowa came into Evanston less than a month ago and embarrassed the 'Cats 70-50. It was an uninspired performance from NU, which shot just 29.4 percent from the field. Considering the trouble that both teams have had putting the ball in the basket, there’s a good chance that Saturday's action won't crack 60 on either side of the scoreboard.
Here’s what the Wildcats need to do to come away with a crucial road victory.
Shore up the zone
When the 'Cats were trounced by the Hawkeyes back on Jan. 13, the 1-3-1 defense was a disaster. Northwestern did not make perimeter shooters uncomfortable and failed to force turnovers. Instead, they gave up four second-half threes to sophomore guard Josh Oglesby. Then, they allowed sophomore forward Aaron White to come in from the backside for an alley-oop slam.
If coach Bill Carmody calls upon the 1-3-1, the top player (presumably senior guard Alex Marcotullio) and the wings needs to get in the passing lanes and force turnovers. Should Iowa get as comfortable in the zone as last game, it won’t end well for the Wildcats.
Stop Aaron White
Speaking of White, the sophomore plays like an NBA small forward, creating an ostensible matchup problem for Northwestern. He may be 6-foot-8, but White can shoot from the outside and handle the dribble like a guard. Against the 'Cats, he hit 7-of-9 shots and put in 17 points.
Senior forward Jared Swopshire seems like the best candidate to stop him. He showed against Purdue Saturday that he can defend against the perimeter, when he locked down senior sharpshooter D.J. Byrd near the end of the game. If Swop can play tight defense on White and prevent the open jumpers, the Wildcats should be in good shape.
Move the ball
The Wildcats are at their best when the ball is continually switching hands, but they struggle when trying to go one-on-one. Against Purdue, players were constantly passing, screening, and cutting to the basket, and as a result, they had 24 assists on 26 field goals in one of their best performances of the season.
Iowa is very solid in man-to-man defense, so if Northwestern tries to take them on one-on-one, weaknesses are going to be exposed. In order to give themselves a chance to win, the Wildcats need to have quick and smooth ball movement.
Prediction
Iowa has proven tough to defeat on its home floor. The 'Cats have a tendency to start slow, and if the Hawkeyes get the crowd behind them, it’ll be tough to come back.
Iowa 76, Northwestern 66