After a heartbreaking overtime loss to Michigan, Northwestern came back with a vengeance to secure the cold-blooded, one-point win over Penn State on Saturday. With a Big Ten record of 7-9, Northwestern’s NCAA Tournament dreams are hanging by a thread. What stands in their way? The Ohio State Buckeyes, whose recent string of losses has knocked them out of first place.
What happened last time:
The last time the Wildcats faced the Buckeyes was in both teams’ Big Ten opener, so it seems fitting that they will again go head-to-head at Northwestern’s last home game. Back at the beginning of the season, Ohio State was predicted to be a basketball powerhouse. As expected, the Buckeyes delivered against Northwestern, winning the game 87- 54. William Buford, Ohio State’s only senior, scored a career-high 28 points while sophomore Jared Sullinger dominated the boards with 14 rebounds. John Shurna and Drew Crawford, two of the Big Ten’s leading scorers, struggled with 11 and 13 points each, respectively.
What’s changed since then:
After their lackluster start, the Wildcats have picked up momentum and have managed to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive throughout this heartwrenching season. John Shurna became Northwestern’s all-time leading scorer, which boosted the Wildcat morale, and Dave Sobolewski has really come into his own as a Big Ten point guard, logging major minutes – and being the occasional scoring machine.
Perhaps one of the biggest twists of NCAA basketball this season is the sudden downfall of Ohio State. Once ranked No. 1, the Buckeyes have lost three of their last five games, and a recent ankle injury to superstar Jared Sullinger might send them further into a downward spiral. With the Wildcats still holding onto hopes of making the Big Dance, this might just be the break they need.
Key matchup: John Shurna vs. William Buford
It’s Senior Night! These two senior forwards have made unbelievable impacts on their respective teams. Shurna records 20-plus points per night and is a constant threat both on the perimeter and in the paint. He has already left his legacy as Northwestern’s top scorer, and he is sure to put up quite a performance for his last game in Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Shurna is in good company with his fellow seniors, but William Buford stands alone – the sole senior on Ohio State’s roster. Buford is a shooter, averaging 15 points per game and shooting 43 percent from the field, and he is also the leader of the court. With the Buckeyes struggling over the past few games, the team is sure to look to Buford to pull them through.
What to look for:
This is Northwestern’s chance. The Wildcats are ready to pounce with a win to keep their NCAA hopes alive. Meanwhile, Ohio State is known to crack under pressure and has struggled over its past few games. Considering Northwestern’s recent surge, Ohio State’s decline and NCAA tournament bids on the line, this game is the epitome of a high-pressure situation for both teams.
With Jared Sullinger possibly out of the line-up, Northwestern might have an advantage in the paint. Dominating the rebounding game is a must, especially with Buford and fellow Buckeye Deshaun Thomas’ shooting abilities. It’s fitting that the keys to the Senior Night game will fall on seniors’ shoulders: John Shurna and Davide Curletti are needed in the paint, and for their last game, they are sure to be energized.
Where we’ll stand afterwards, win or loss:
As with many Wildcat games this season, this one is a must-win. Not only is it the season’s last home game, but it’s also the penultimate game of Big Ten play before the NCAA tournament. If the Wildcats are able to win their next two games, they might be able to rewrite history and win their first ever bid to the NCAA tournament.
Lose this game and those dancing hopes are just about lost. With the Buckeyes struggling, the stage is set for a huge upset win; if the Wildcats are able to pull off the victory, it would be a stellar ending to the 2011-2012 home season.