Friday, December 1
Evanston, Ill.
8 p.m. CT
Northwestern
vs
#1 Purdue
Photo by: GRIFFIN QUINN/Northwestern Athletics
'Cats Host No. 1 Boilermakers in Friday Night Showdown
11/30/2023 4:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
EVANSTON, Ill. – The Northwestern men's basketball team opens Big Ten Conference play when it hosts No. 1 Purdue in a highly-anticipated game inside Welsh-Ryan Arena at 8 p.m. CT on Friday, Dec. 1. The contest will air on BTN with Kevin Kugler (play-by-play), Robbie Hummel (analyst), and Andy Katz (sideline) on the call, while Dave Eanet (play-by-play) and Billy McKinney (analyst) will have the radio call on WGN Radio 720.
The Wildcats stunned the No. 1 Boilermakers last season, claiming a 64-58 triumph on Feb. 12, 2023, for the program's first win over an AP No. 1 opponent. Northwestern is looking to become the seventh program in the country to defeat at AP No. 1 ranked team in back-to-back seasons since 2010-11.
Last time out, the Wildcats (5-1) rallied past NIU 89-67 behind a 48-25 second half. Northwestern's 89 points marked its season-high and most points scored since posting 92 against UIC on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022. Five scored in double figures, led by Boo Buie's 23 points. Matthew Nicholson added 15 points, six rebounds and six assists, and Ty Berry helped out with 14 points and a career-high five steals.
Northwestern has been one of the best teams in the country at taking care of the ball this year, averaging 8.8 turnovers per game, which ranks second in the Big Ten and 12th nationally. NU's 9.0 steals per game lead the Big Ten.
With four 3-pointers made against Northern Illinois, Buie moved into a tie for fifth place with Vedran Vukusic for career triples made at Northwestern.
After an expanded role late last season, Brooks Barnhizer has gotten off to a hot start in 2023-24, averaging 15.3 points per game (12th in the Big Ten) and 8.3 rebounds per game (ninth in the Big Ten) in his first season starting for the Wildcats. He is one of two players in the country posting 15+ points, 8+ rebounds, 2+ steals and 1+ blocks per game.
Berry has scored in double figures in three straight games, marking 30 career games scoring 10 or more points for the Newton, Kan. native.
Friday night's contest will mark the 181st meeting between Northwestern and Purdue on the hardwood. No. 1 Purdue enters Big Ten play at a perfect 7-0, winning the 2023 Maui Invitational with victories over Gonzaga, No. 7 Tennessee, and No. 3 Marquette. Reigning National Player of the Year Zach Edey leads the Boilermakers, averaging 21.9 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.
Following the Purdue game, Northwestern will have a week off before returning to action against Detroit Mercy on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. CT.
The Wildcats stunned the No. 1 Boilermakers last season, claiming a 64-58 triumph on Feb. 12, 2023, for the program's first win over an AP No. 1 opponent. Northwestern is looking to become the seventh program in the country to defeat at AP No. 1 ranked team in back-to-back seasons since 2010-11.
Last time out, the Wildcats (5-1) rallied past NIU 89-67 behind a 48-25 second half. Northwestern's 89 points marked its season-high and most points scored since posting 92 against UIC on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022. Five scored in double figures, led by Boo Buie's 23 points. Matthew Nicholson added 15 points, six rebounds and six assists, and Ty Berry helped out with 14 points and a career-high five steals.
Northwestern has been one of the best teams in the country at taking care of the ball this year, averaging 8.8 turnovers per game, which ranks second in the Big Ten and 12th nationally. NU's 9.0 steals per game lead the Big Ten.
With four 3-pointers made against Northern Illinois, Buie moved into a tie for fifth place with Vedran Vukusic for career triples made at Northwestern.
After an expanded role late last season, Brooks Barnhizer has gotten off to a hot start in 2023-24, averaging 15.3 points per game (12th in the Big Ten) and 8.3 rebounds per game (ninth in the Big Ten) in his first season starting for the Wildcats. He is one of two players in the country posting 15+ points, 8+ rebounds, 2+ steals and 1+ blocks per game.
Berry has scored in double figures in three straight games, marking 30 career games scoring 10 or more points for the Newton, Kan. native.
Friday night's contest will mark the 181st meeting between Northwestern and Purdue on the hardwood. No. 1 Purdue enters Big Ten play at a perfect 7-0, winning the 2023 Maui Invitational with victories over Gonzaga, No. 7 Tennessee, and No. 3 Marquette. Reigning National Player of the Year Zach Edey leads the Boilermakers, averaging 21.9 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.
Following the Purdue game, Northwestern will have a week off before returning to action against Detroit Mercy on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. CT.
Players Mentioned
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