Some folks over at Rivals have done some work and have put together the latest news on NU's hoops schedule. Here's a link: http://northwestern.rivals.com/showmsg.asp?fid=58&tid=131188900&mid=131188900&sid=901&style=2
You'll see the 'Cats start with four home games. Three of them are "should wins" but the biggest one is against Butler who stands a very good chance of being a top-25 team to open the year. I bet the Big Ten Network is going to love having that game, since we know ESPN won't be showing it.
NU's opener against NIU is probably thanks to Jim Phillips making a connection with his former staff. I think it's a good opener as I like playing local (or at least semi-local) teams. NU also his Chicago State at home on March 3rd.
North Florida comes back to Evanston on December 16th, that was a 40-39 Kevin Coble buzzer beating put back last time NU hosted them. I hope it's not so close this year.
Of course, all NU fans are looking forward to that game in the Chicago Challenge vs Notre Dame on November 27th.
Finally, I hope to see everyone in Evanston on Saturday when the football 'Cats take on Townson. I'll be the one wearing the 1931 National Champs shirt (yeah, I'm still pushing that).
Go Cats!
Showing posts with label Butler TV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Butler TV. Show all posts
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Butler Halftime Update
At the half the Wildcats lead Butler 36-27. Ivan Peljusic played a lot and scored 6 points and did a really nice job. Fouls have been the 'Cats biggest problem as Butler got a slew of points from the free throw line at the end of the half. Overall, I'm happy to see the center spot rotation look good and Craig Moore still looks sharp. I was not pleased with the early turnovers or the late fouls. Those issues need to be cleared up in the locker room.
Game 4: Northwestern Wildcats @ Butler Bulldogs
The Matchup: Northwestern (3-0) @ Butler (3-0)
Location: Hinkle Field House (Indianapolis, Indiana)
TV: None
Webcast: www.horizonleague.tv
Radio: WGN AM 720
Fun Fact: Despite Butler’s recent success NU leads the all-time series between the two schools 16-6. Of course, the teams haven’t met in 22 years.
The Importance of this Game
This is a critical game as Bill Carmody tries to build Northwestern’s program with his highly regarded freshmen class. Just like the ‘Cats, Butler enters the game 3-0 and most experts would tell you Butler’s wins are far more impressive. The Bulldogs have defeated Ball State, Drake, and IU-South Bend. Except for IU-South Bend who the Bulldogs dismantled 87-33, NU’s opponents would have to be considered weaker than Butler’s. As a result, winning this game would be a huge step forward in the quality win department for NU. I also think the win would give the Wildcats confidence when they play BCS conference opponents Florida State, DePaul, and Stanford later on this year.
Butler’s Team
Butler is led by 6-8 forward Matt Howard. He is the Bulldogs only returning starter from last year’s 30-4 team. Howard gained some hardware for his trophy case after last season when he was Horizon League Freshmen of the Year. Many expect him to pick up Player of the Year before he graduates from Butler. He currently 12 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Also of note on the Butler roster is guard Shelvin Mack. Mack is a freshman who averages 11.3 points and 4.0 rebounds a game. He is a very good shooter and could cause the NU zone some problems if he finds an opening. The other key freshman on Butler is forward Gordon Hayward. Hayward is another 6-8 player who can both score and rebound. He averages 11.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. The matchup between Butler’s front line and the Wildcats will be the one to watch. Both front lines are relatively young, but Howard’s big game experience last year might give him a slight edge over Rowley, Mirkovic, and Shurna. Somehow, though, if Northwestern wants to win they have to find a way to limit Howard’s effectiveness. I would hope that maybe some of NU’s more athletic defenders can front him in the post and guard him out to the perimeter tightly.
Prediction: The smart money for this game is on Butler. The Bulldogs are at home and have far more experience. Many people seem resigned to the fact NU can’t beat such a solid team on the road, but this isn’t the Butler team from years past. I might be wearing purple filtered glasses, but I think NU has momentum. Northwestern, 58 Butler, 56
Location: Hinkle Field House (Indianapolis, Indiana)
TV: None
Webcast: www.horizonleague.tv
Radio: WGN AM 720
Fun Fact: Despite Butler’s recent success NU leads the all-time series between the two schools 16-6. Of course, the teams haven’t met in 22 years.
The Importance of this Game
This is a critical game as Bill Carmody tries to build Northwestern’s program with his highly regarded freshmen class. Just like the ‘Cats, Butler enters the game 3-0 and most experts would tell you Butler’s wins are far more impressive. The Bulldogs have defeated Ball State, Drake, and IU-South Bend. Except for IU-South Bend who the Bulldogs dismantled 87-33, NU’s opponents would have to be considered weaker than Butler’s. As a result, winning this game would be a huge step forward in the quality win department for NU. I also think the win would give the Wildcats confidence when they play BCS conference opponents Florida State, DePaul, and Stanford later on this year.
Butler’s Team
Butler is led by 6-8 forward Matt Howard. He is the Bulldogs only returning starter from last year’s 30-4 team. Howard gained some hardware for his trophy case after last season when he was Horizon League Freshmen of the Year. Many expect him to pick up Player of the Year before he graduates from Butler. He currently 12 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Also of note on the Butler roster is guard Shelvin Mack. Mack is a freshman who averages 11.3 points and 4.0 rebounds a game. He is a very good shooter and could cause the NU zone some problems if he finds an opening. The other key freshman on Butler is forward Gordon Hayward. Hayward is another 6-8 player who can both score and rebound. He averages 11.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. The matchup between Butler’s front line and the Wildcats will be the one to watch. Both front lines are relatively young, but Howard’s big game experience last year might give him a slight edge over Rowley, Mirkovic, and Shurna. Somehow, though, if Northwestern wants to win they have to find a way to limit Howard’s effectiveness. I would hope that maybe some of NU’s more athletic defenders can front him in the post and guard him out to the perimeter tightly.
Prediction: The smart money for this game is on Butler. The Bulldogs are at home and have far more experience. Many people seem resigned to the fact NU can’t beat such a solid team on the road, but this isn’t the Butler team from years past. I might be wearing purple filtered glasses, but I think NU has momentum. Northwestern, 58 Butler, 56
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
How to View the 'Cats at Butler
I'll post my thoughts on the Butler game tomorrow, but I wanted to let everyone know about the web-broadcast that the Horizon League will offer. Visit this link to sign up to watch:
http://www.horizonleaguenetwork.tv/login_register.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2flive.aspx%3fScheduleID%3d1309&ScheduleID=1309
http://www.horizonleaguenetwork.tv/login_register.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2flive.aspx%3fScheduleID%3d1309&ScheduleID=1309
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