Northwestern’s senior point guard didn’t disappoint on Senior Night at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Northwestern honored the four departing seniors — Mike Capocci, Jeff Ryan, Ivan Peljusic and Michael “Juice” Thompson. The ‘Cats ousted the Golden Gophers of Minnesota behind Thompson and Alex Marcotullio’s big nights. Each scored 18 points in the last regular season game for coach Bill Carmody and company. The Wildcats now have a week to prepare for the Big Ten Tournament. The ‘Cats still remain long shots to go dancing, but hope springs eternal in Evanston. Before we look ahead to postseason play, let’s savor this parting victory a bit more.
Hero of the game | Alex Marcotullio
On a night that belonged to Juice and the other seniors, the sophomore stood out. Jershon Cobb was not available, but Marcotullio’s effort dwarfed Cobb’s absence. His 18 points came following two straight conference games in which he had been shut out, and eclipsed his previous career high of 16. His timely shooting was key in turning the tide against Minnesota. Additionally, his effort both defensively and as a secondary ball handler took some pressure off of Juice. As Northwestern enters postseason play, contributions from the bench will be key. If the hot shooting continues, the ‘Cats may find themselves playing the spoiler role.
Stat of the game | 20-23 at the free throw line
Northwestern was able to get the win in their last game of the regular season thanks in large part to a scintillating team performance from the line. On a night where the shots weren’t falling for the ‘Cats (37.3 percent from the field), they could ill afford to give away free points. The Wildcat free throw total dwarfed Minnesota’s contribution from the line (20 makes vs. 8 makes) and was instrumental in swinging the momentum in Northwestern’s favor. Three ‘Cats, Davide Curletti, Thompson and Marcotullio, were the main culprits in Northwestern’s barrage from the free throw line. The trio combined to go 17-for-17 from the line in a game where the charity stripe was the difference.
Turning Point/Momentum Changer | Two free throws by Juice with 1:46 left in 2nd half (NU 62-53)
As alluded to before, free throws were a big part of the equation in the ‘Cats victory over Minnesota. Northwestern missed few opportunities and didn’t waste any chances late. Thompson’s two free throws with 1:46 left were the first of eight straight over the game’s final two minutes. The Wildcat success from the free throw line was a testament to the effort put forth by Coach Carmody’s boys. Northwestern connected from the line, played team defense and made a commitment to rebounding the basketball. Though they still found themselves outrebounded by a bigger Minnesota front line, Northwestern’s tenacity on the boards proved problematic for a Minnesota team that, in the past, had capitalized on second chances.
One thing to Improve On | Maintaining a winning streak
As the ‘Cats enter postseason play, they will be looking to build off their season-ending victory over Minnesota. A deep run in the Big Ten Tournament will be Northwestern’s only way to get into the NCAA Tournament. Nevertheless, Minnesota’s success last year prior to the Big Dance proves that a late season push can be made. The important thing for the Wildcats going forward is that they continue to play the team basketball that has been beneficial for them all season. Maybe they all should start drinking from Curletti’s water bottle too. Curletti’s spirited minutes in the past few games have been welcomed for a team starving for a big man. That post presence will be key going forward, not only in rebounding and defense, but also in opening up shots for Northwestern’s arsenal of long-range shooters.