Wildcats Host Illini in In-State Showdown

EVANSTON, Ill. –  Northwestern (10-3, 1-1 B1G) closes its six-game homestand on Wednesday night when it hosts in-state rival Illinois (9-4, 0-2) at Welsh-Ryan Arena at 8 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on BTN and WGN Radio 720. Brandon Gaudin (play-by-play) and Robbie Hummel (analyst) will have the call on BTN, while Dave Eanet (play-by-play) and Billy McKinney (analyst) will have the radio call on WGN Radio 720.

The Wildcats will wear their “Chicago’s Own” By the Players uniforms from Under Armour for the second time this season against the Fighting Illini.

Last time out, the Wildcats fell to Ohio State 73-57 at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Sunday night, snapping a five-game win streak. Ohio State jumped out to an early 34-8 lead before the Wildcats closed the first half on a 9-1 run to cut the deficit to 35-17 at the break. The ‘Cats outscored the Buckeyes 40-38 in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the early deficit. Chase Audige led Northwestern with 16 points, his ninth consecutive game scoring in double figures. Matthew Nicholson led Northwestern with a career-high 13 rebounds, including eight offensive rebounds. 

Northwestern’s 10-3 start, its best since 2016-17, has been largely powered by success on the defensive end of the court. The Wildcats rank eighth nationally and second in the Big Ten in scoring defense, allowing just 57.0 points per game. The Wildcats lead the nation in opponent 2-point field goal percentage, holding opponents to just 39.1% from inside the arc. KenPom ranks Northwestern ninth in defensive efficiency.

Audige leads the Wildcats with 15.4 points per game, posting double-figure performances in 11 of NU’s 13 games. Boo Buie ranks second on the team, averaging 13.8 points per game. Nicholson eads the ‘Cats on the glass, registering 6.8 rebounds per game, including two straight hauling in double-digit rebounds.

Illinois enters Wednesday’s matchup having alternated wins and losses for the past six games. Most recently, the Fighting Illini defeated Bethune Cookman 85-52 on Thursday, December 29 in Urbana-Champaign. Dain Dainja led the Fighting Illini with a career-high 22 points. Texas Tech transfer Terrence Shannon Jr. leads Illinois with 17.8 points per game. The Illini are still searching for their first conference win. The Fighting Illini are receiving votes in the latest AP Top 25 Poll.

Wednesday night will mark the 187th meeting between the Wildcats and Fighting Illini, the second-most played…