Behind the leadership of veteran starters and Luka Mirkovic, the Wildcats bested the Hoosiers Sunday night 93-81 in Evanston. Indiana kept the pressure on late, even though they faced a near 20-point deficit, but Northwestern prevailed. Let’s take a closer look at the first Big Ten win for the ‘Cats.
Hero of the game | Luka Mirkovic
When Northwestern needed their big man most, he posted a career-high performance. Mirkovic’s 20 points helped the Wildcats get on track after losing the first three games of conference play. Additionally, the big man’s defense helped control the paint and was key in stifling the Hoosier offense. Mirkovic finished with 12 rebounds to go along with his 20 points, a double-double that, for now, will stifle criticism against the Serbian center’s play. Though four starters (Cobb, Mirkovic, Shurna and Thompson) found themselves in double digits, it was Mirkovic’s night that stood out.
Stat of the game | Alex Marcotullio’s stat line (6 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast)
Though one might overlook Marcotullio’s night, it bears notice how important his 20 minutes were on a night that could have derailed any notions of NCAA tournament talk. John Shurna looked like he was back to his old ways, but Marcotullio made a bunch of hustle plays that signified the resiliency with which Northwestern played. Perhaps more importantly, on a night where starter Drew Crawford didn’t score much, Marcotullio’s minutes at guard kept Northwestern’s offense humming. Marcotullio is a regular in coach Bill Carmody’s carousel rotation, but it remains to be seen if he can maintain an impact for the Wildcats going forward.
Momentum changer | Marcotullio save-and-pass to JerShon Cobb for a 3-pointer (6:24 in the first half)
A seemingly empty possession for the Wildcats turned around quickly when Marcotullio saved an errant jumpshot and found Cobb for a left-wing three. Not only was the play one of many that dictated the tempo, but also was indicative of a night that coach Carmody had his boys ready to play. After getting blown out by Illinois, there seemed to be no hangover for the ‘Cats who made sure they didn’t let an opportunity slip away. Though Marcotullio’s hustle-play happened late in the first half, it set the tone for the Wildcats night going forward.
One thing to improve upon | Closing out with a lead
Northwestern maintained the top side of the scoreboard against the Hoosiers from the beginning, but where the ‘Cats can improve is learning to play with a lead. Although Indiana spent most of the second half playing catch-up, the Wildcats left many feeling a bit uneasy at times. Towards the latter stages of the game, Christian Watford hit a couple of 3-pointers to bring the Hoosiers closer, but Indiana couldn’t break NU’s stranglehold. Nevertheless, the final score was not indicative of a game that Northwestern had full control over. Going forward the ‘Cats will be playing teams that play all 40 minutes, much like coach Tom Crean’s Hoosiers, and it is imperative that they protect leads. If Northwestern can improve on playing with and closing out a game with a lead, then much bodes well for the Wildcats. Northwestern’s fortunes look promising if only the Wildcats can improve on playing with leads and closing out games.