EVANSTON, Ill. – Robbie Beran scored a career-high 20 points to help lead the Northwestern men’s basketball team to an 85-54 season opening win over Chicago State at home on Monday night. Beran went 10-for-11 from the free throw line, grabbed seven rebounds and became the first Wildcat to score 20 or more points in a season opener since Ryan Taylor (20) in 2018 against New Orleans.
The Wildcats (1-0) won their 14th season opener in the last 15 seasons. Chase Audige helped out with 13 points, a career-high nine assists and two steals and Ty Berry chipped in with 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Boo Buie added 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
1-0 ? pic.twitter.com/ApZL8xw9kI
— Northwestern Basketball (@NUMensBball) November 8, 2022
Northwestern’s defense held Chicago State to only 25.4 percent shooting from the field, including 26.5 percent from beyond the arc. The Wildcats also limited Wesley Cardet to 3-of-16 shooting in the game.
Matt Nicholson provided energetic minutes off the bench, scoring nine of NU’s 20 bench points with three slams.
The Cougars (0-1) were led by Elijah Weaver’s 19 points.
How It Happened
After leading 16-13, Northwestern went on a 9-0 run with 8:02 left in the first half to increase its lead to 25-13. The Wildcats then added four points to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 37-21 advantage.
Following intermission, Northwestern kept widening that lead, expanding it to 63-40 before going on a 10-0 run to grow the lead to 73-40 with 4:37 to go in the contest. The ‘Cats scored 48 points in the second half.
Game Notes
» The ‘Cats held Chicago State to 25.4% shooting, the lowest mark by a Northwestern opponent since Chicago State shot 20.0% against the ‘Cats in 2017.
» Northwestern has now won 14 of its past 15 openers and are 9-1 in season openers under Chris Collins.
» Northwestern is now 15-0 all-time against Chicago State.
» Ty Berry grabbed a career-high seven rebounds.
» Matt Nicholson scored a career-high nine points.
» Buie is the first Wildcat with 16+ points, 7+ rebounds, and 6+ assists in a game since Bryant McIntosh in 2017.
» NU’s 27 made free throws were its most since making 28…
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