We’ve Won
Three Years of Success Have Changed the Atmosphere in Evanston
EVANSTON, Ill. (WGN) — While the final score looked like just another ho-hum, lopsided non-conference win for Northwestern Men’s Basketball Sunday, the atmosphere inside Welsh-Ryan Arena suggested anything but.
A Testament to Chris Collins’ Leadership
It’s a testament to what head coach Chris Collins has built along the North Shore in Chicagoland. The Wildcats tallied an 85-60 win in a true Sickos Committee matchup (Northwestern vs. Northeastern). Their two star players lived up to their usual billing and veteran pieces supplied the outside shooting that could make them a dangerous team as conference play begins, and March Madness waits in the wings further down the line.
Impressive Performances from Barnhizer, Martinelli, and Berry
Brooks Barnhizer poured in 22 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 steals, while Nick Martinelli added 16 points and 2 rebounds himself. Senior sharpshooter Ty Berry had a game-high 23 points on 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc, and Jalen Leach added 11 points with three made 3-pointers of his own.
Barnhizer’s Prolific Season
Barnhizer is now averaging 20.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2.7 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. Since 1947-48, there have only been three players in CBB to average at least 19 points, 9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block per game in a season: Billy Owens, Ron Harper, and Larry Bird.
A New Era of Success
The atmosphere inside Welsh-Ryan Arena was electric, with 5,944 people in attendance to watch Northwestern take on Northeastern. At one point, Leach hit a go-ahead three to retake the lead late in the first half, and the decibel meter inside Welsh-Ryan Arena rose as high as 105, 20 decibels past the threshold where hearing damage starts to take place.
Collins’ ‘Cats Have Won 24 Conference Games and Finished in the Top Three of the Big Ten in Each of the Last Two Seasons
Standing at 10-3 with a 1-1 record in conference play and an upset victory over in-state rival Illinois already under their belt, the Wildcats have started to become a commodity in Chicago’s sports community, something that’s years in the making.
A Group to Cheer For
“They’re a group that you want to cheer for because of how hard they play. They’re all about the right things, how they compete. I’ve always said it,” Collins said. “When I first got here and no one came to the games, [I thought], how can you get a better environment? And I always answered the same way. ‘Win. Over these past three years, that’s what we’ve done. We’ve won.'”
Autograph Session a Hit
After the game, the team hosted an autograph session for fans at the front entrance of Welsh-Ryan Arena. Despite having to wait nearly an hour for postgame interviews to wrap up, the line of autograph seekers stretched three-fourths of the perimeter around the building.
Conclusion
The Wildcats have come a long way since their five straight losing seasons before this run began in 2022. Chicagoland has taken notice, and it’s started to show in more than just the box score.
FAQs
Q: What is the current record of the Northwestern Men’s Basketball team?
A: The Wildcats are standing at 10-3 with a 1-1 record in conference play.
Q: Who are the star players for the Northwestern Men’s Basketball team?
A: Brooks Barnhizer, Nick Martinelli, and Ty Berry are the standout players for the Wildcats.
Q: How many conference games has the Northwestern Men’s Basketball team won in the last two seasons?
A: The Wildcats have won 24 conference games and finished in the top three of the Big Ten in each of the last two seasons.
