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Well rested from a week off due to exams, Northwestern comes into tonight riding a three game-win streak, but the Wildcats received some tough news earlier today. Sophomore forward Aaron Falzon will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery. With Dererk Pardon sidelined as well, Northwestern's depth will be tested.
New Orleans (4-3) has a three-game win streak themselves, most recently beating Washington State rather easily in Pullman. The Privateers are led by Erik Thomas, a 6-foot-5, 215-pound senior, who is averaging 21.0 points per game as well as 7.4 rebounds per game.
This game is a nice way for Northwestern to ease back into the swing of things. New Orleans is ranked 247th by Kenpom and half of their wins are against D-II opponents. The Wildcats will have to continue to take care of business in non-conference play if they want to make noise in March.
The game, which will be broadcast on Big Ten Network, will tip off at 6 p.m. CT from Welsh-Ryan Arena.