Northwestern-Bryant player grades

On Friday, the Wildcats soundly dispatched Bryant 86-66. Led by Vic Law and Scottie Lindsey, Northwestern moved to 4-2, remaining undefeated at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Here’s how each individual played against the Bulldogs.

Vic Law - A

22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 turnover, 4 blocks, 1 steal on 9/16 FG, 3/7 3FG, 1/2 FT in 35 minutes

It was just another day at work for Law, as he dominated Bryant from the start. His defense was also impressive, coming up with four blocks and a steal. Law drops stat lines like these on a regular basis, making the fact that he had shoulder surgery last year all the more astonishing.

Scottie Lindsey - A

20 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 0 turnovers, 2 blocks, 2 steals on 7/11 FG, 3/5 3FG, 3/3 FT in 25 minutes

Lindsey, Law’s partner in crime on the wing, continued his strong junior year, scoring from all over the floor. He showed off his passing game, too, a skill that makes him even more dangerous offensively. Through six games, Lindsey looks like the team’s second-best player, and it’s not particularly close.

Bryant McIntosh - C-

8 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, 4 turnovers, 1 block, 1 steal on 3/11 FG, 0/5 3FG, 2/2 FT in 33 minutes

The season started just two weeks ago, and McIntosh has already been through several ups and downs. For the second game in a row, he couldn’t get anything going, shooting 0-for-6 in the first half. While McIntosh deserves credit for improving as the game wore on, he does need to be more consistent in order for Northwestern to succeed. His turnover issues have been concerning.

Dererk Pardon - A-

6 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 turnovers, 2 blocks on 3/6 FG in 27 minutes

Pardon’s development as a rim protector has shown through the first six games. Against Bryant, he was a significant deterrent at the rim, forcing the Bulldogs to operate primarily from the perimeter. It was also Pardon’s second game this year with double-digit rebounds.

Sanjay Lumpkin - B

3 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 turnovers on 1/2 FG, 1/2 FT in 22 minutes

Lumpkin didn’t have a flashy stat line, but he was effective, contributing on the glass. His unselfishness has been a boon for the Wildcats, as he doesn’t require touches to make an impact. Lumpkin’s solid senior season continues.

Gavin Skelly - A

15 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 0 turnovers, 3 blocks on 5/9 FG, 0/1 3FG, 5/5 FT in 26 minutes

It was a career game for Skelly, who did everything. His playmaking was on point, as he tore apart Bryant’s zone defense. On the other end, he helped close off the lane, swatting three shots. Northwestern’s bench has been one of its strengths this season, and Skelly has been a huge part of its success.

Isiah Brown - B

8 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 turnovers, 2 steals on 2/6 FG, 1/1 3FG, 3/4 FT in 18 minutes

As he plays in more collegiate games, Brown gets a better feel of when to attack and when to distribute. He did a little of both versus the Bulldogs, dropping three dimes and getting to the line. With McIntosh struggling to start the year, Brown’s production off the bench has been immensely helpful.

Nathan Taphorn - B

3 points, 1 steal on 1/2 FG, 1/2 3FG in 7 minutes

With Falzon sidelined until further notice, Taphorn is the team’s backup wing, and thus far, he has produced. Against Bryant, he spaced the floor in his limited minutes and even got a steal. Taphorn’s play this season has been a pleasant surprise.