The Wildcat women (19-13) look to keep the NIT win-parade going, with a matchup this afternoon at Welsh-Ryan Arena against the Alabama Crimson Tide (17-14).
Quick preview, since I'm on vacation. Tip off is 2 p.m. Wildcat time; tickets are $8 general admission (free for students), and no TV broadcast. Thanks to all the commenters who chimed in during/after NU's first round win against Creighton.
NU has a chance to notch 20 wins for the first time in...well, the NUsports.com archives only go back to 1997-98, and suffice it to say, it's been a very, very long time.
The Wildcats should be favored in this matchup. The two teams' lone common opponent is LSU, whom the 'Cats beat at home 71-62, while Alabama lost twice, 72-43 and 60-36. NU has an RPI of 66, while Alabama is at 115.
The Crimson Tide are led by senior forward Tierney Jenkins, who averages 15.6 ppg and 10.6 rpg. She'll be an interesting matchup for our Amy Jaeschke. Junior guard Ericka Russell is their second leading scorer with 11.4 ppg, and she shoots 36% from behind the arc, best on the team.
Alabama is making its first postseason appearance since 2002, which was also the last season it had a winning record.
A Northwestern win would match last season's accomplishment of making it to the NIT Round of 16.
Winner hits the road for a tough matchup against Toledo. But first, let's take care of business at home.