Northwestern basketball is struggling. The facts are depressing: Both the men’s and women’s teams have lost their last five games. The last time the women won a game was Jan. 14. The last time the men won a game was Jan. 12. After starting 13-1, the men have lost seven of their last nine games and are now 15-8. The women started 11-1, but have lost eight of their last 10 and are now 13-9. At NBN Sports, we know how difficult it is to watch NU basketball right now - that’s why we are presenting our: Winter alternatives to Northwestern basketball.
Read a good book
Rob Schaefer
Some people like to say there’s nothing better in this world than a good book. Now, I haven’t always necessarily been a believer in this sentiment, but coming up on three months into the college basketball season, I’m starting to change my tune. I suspect there are a few fellow Wildcats out there who agree with me:
Northwestern's rowdy student section always on the edge of chaos pic.twitter.com/DL8la0RojD
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) January 13, 2016
We’re in the heat of midterm season here at NU, so take a break from all those bigger, boring textbook thingies with something more relaxing. A bittersweet John Green tale, perhaps, or maybe even dive into the epic Game of Thrones fable authored by (NORTHWESTERN GRAD ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT) George R.R. Martin. We’re an academic institution. Throw yourself into the fantastic, magical world of literature and stay as far away from your televisions as possible. And Welsh-Ryan Arena. Trust me.
Spread awareness about global warming
Will Fischer
Sure, we haven’t seen a Northwestern basketball win since Jan. 14. But really, who's been paying attention anyway? It’s like 45 degrees Fahrenheit outside. This is not normal, guys. There is no snow, no ice and no cold. I saw two robins the other day - those are spring birds. I have officially given up on NU basketball and I am now redirecting my efforts to spread awareness about global warming. When the Wildcats’ shooting percentage is lower than the winter temperature, something is very, very wrong. We can’t save NU basketball, so we might as well save the planet. Everyone reduce, reuse and recycle.
Stare pensively at Ryan Field
Jason Mast
You get off the intercampus and walk the narrow strip from Ashland Avenue to the doors of Welsh-Ryan, just to see Northwestern basketball miss 20 more three-pointers against another Big Ten opponent. But before you get there, you see it: the partition that gives a small window into Ryan Field. You turn and peek, just for a second. The evergreen field sprawls ahead: the endzone Clayton Thorson sprinted 42 yards into to beat Stanford, the spot Solomon Vault started his pivotal kickoff return touchdown against Penn State, the 17-yard line from which Jack Mitchell kicked the game winner that day. The ‘Cats were 6-1 at Ryan Field, just a single loss over three months. But since football season ended, there’s been nothing but airballs and turnovers on the hardwood. Since New Year's Day, both the women's and men's teams are a combined 4-14. You remember shaking your keys at Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey. You smile, and shed a single tear.
Watch "Love Actually"
Andy Brown
With Northwestern's basketball teams flopping around and gasping for air like fish out of water, there's never been a better time to grab a spoon, pop open a jar of Nutella and procrastinate an evening away in front of this masterful 2003 British rom-com. I'll be honest with you — I've never actually seen this movie, but the mere concept of watching it has always comforted me in times of trouble. It doesn't matter why you're watching; you could be tired of the Wildcats seeing how many ways they can apply "Dumb Ways to Die" to their respective seasons, you could be sad because that one person who you sort of thought was vibin' on you (actually) wasn't that into you or, well, it's Week Five, do you really need an excuse? So the next time your friends try to convince you to pack the Litter Box (aka, Welsh-Ryan Arena) and cheer on the 'Cats with them, don't feel bad for saying no. Just tell them high culture takes precedent over spor — wait ... is that Rick? Oh my god, that's totally Rick.
Take a dip in Lake Michigan
Max Goodman
What better way to get over Northwestern basketball’s recent struggles than to take a dip in Lake Michigan? With temperatures at or below the freezing mark of 32 degrees Fahrenheit, your body will immediately be rejuvenated and cleansed of the frustration that has been building up inside of you these past few weeks. Now, you may be thinking, “You’re crazy to go swimming in frigid Lake Michigan!!” Well the truth is, you’re right - but Northwestern fans have got nothing to lose! Give yourself and your body the spark it needs to get through the rest of winter quarter, and go for a swim in Lake Michigan.
Pretty much anything else!
Tim Hackett
Now that you've resigned yourself to the fact that watching Northwestern basketball is a futile enterprise, you'll realize that you have so much time to do something productive. Why not study for your midterms, get cracking on that paper you've been putting off or maybe even do your laundry! I know, that's such a long, arduous process, but now, you'll have the time to wait in line for access to the washers and also the time pick up your clothes from the floor after your dorm-mates took them out of the dryer before they were finished. Thanks, NU basketball! And, if you still find yourself with some spare time, you could always watch the NHL. What? Only I do that? Oh... Carry on then.