Northwestern has been pretty impressive through the first 13 games of its season, going 12-1 despite the absence of Vic Law, who had surgery to repair a torn labrum shortly before the season started, and more recently surviving without backup big man Joey Van Zegeren, one of two true centers on the team. The Wildcats face one more opponent, Loyola (Md.) before starting conference play against Nebraska on Dec. 30th.
The Greyhounds, out of the Patriot League, will make the trip to Evanston on the heels of an overtime loss to Fairfield. They are just 1-9 on the season, and are riding a seven-game losing streak. Forward Jarred Jones (6-foot-7) leads the Greyhounds in both points per game (14.2) and rebounds per game (7.9). The Baltimore-based school also gets double-digits points from guards Tyler Hubbard (12.8), Andre Walker (11.6) and Eric Laster (10.8). Forward Franz Rassman (6-foot-10) -- a career 36.5 percent three-point shooter -- rounds out the starting five.
This should be another cakewalk for Chris Collins' bunch. The Greyhounds are ranked 275th in the nation by KenPom, and its only win is over University of Maryland-Baltimore County, the 325th best team according to Kenpom. Northwestern is currently ranked 46th.
For the Wildcats, they'll look to get off to a good start and not let Loyola hang around for too long, continue to shoot the ball well from outside, and get through this game healthy.
Broadcast Information
Game Time: 7 p.m. CT
TV: Big Ten Network
Online: btn2go.com
Mobile: BTN2Go App
Radio: WGN 720
Betting Line: Northwestern -20.5
KenPom: Northwestern 78-61, 94%