Another Big Ten conference outing for NU, another tally for the loss column. With just over a month left in Northwestern’s regular season, what can be gathered from men’s basketball’s latest 76-62 defeat
to Washington?
Wasted Opportunities
It usually feels like a copout whenever someone says “the game was closer than the final score suggested,” but in this instance it’s hard to feel like the sentiment doesn’t ring true. NU went into the halftime break in a 12 point hole and had given up 39 points in total. Meanwhile, Washington was shooting 50% from the field. The stats point to an offensive masterclass from the Huskies.
But the truth is that the Wildcats made life much harder for themselves than it had to be. 11 of Washington’s points came from second chance opportunities. The Wildcats were able to consistently force tough shots and misses out of the Husky offense, but a failure to box out and rebound led to 10 offensive rebounds in the first period. NU kept giving Washington chance after chance, and eventually those opportunities were cashed in on.
On the opposite end, NU couldn’t punish the mistakes made on Washington’s end. The ’Cats were active in passing lanes throughout the first half, forcing eight turnovers. Those extra possessions only amounted to four points for NU’s offense.
Whether it was not finding a man to box out, or charging recklessly to the rim on a fast break only to be met by Franck Kepnang, NU left points by the way side, something that’s starting to feel like a common theme.
Collins Changeups
Chris Collins has experimented with numerous different starting lineups throughout this season in hopes of optimizing this roster. His latest change looked to have given the team some much needed momentum, with the West-Green-Singleton-Kropp-Martinelli unit winning two of its last three games entering Saturday. Collins went back to that lineup again.
But the starting five didn’t have the same chemistry tonight as it did in Southern California or at home against the Nittany Lions. As noted earlier, rebounding was a huge issue early in the game. Jake West didn’t have as much control over the game as he did Thursday; Max Green and Tyler Kropp combined for 0-6 in the first period.
Thus Collins switched things up. Jayden Reid and Arrinten Page came in. The more experienced duo vastly improved NU’s offense and were at the heart of the most competitive stretches of the game.
Now it appears Collins is back to the drawing board. Not having a go-to lineup this late in the season is less than ideal, but it’s where NU’s coach finds himself. Does he continue to trust in the youth movement, or does he lean on experience as the squad hits the business end of conference play? This game will certainly give him a lot to consider.
(Four) Star Shining
Being the highest rated recruit in the history of the ’Cats program was always going to warrant larger-than-life expectations. While his season has certainly had its ups and downs, the past few outings have been promising.
The first-year forward has now hit double figures in four out of his last five contests for NU. Singleton is starting to emerge as the third or even second scoring option on the court this year. His consistent scoring can also alleviate pressure on Martinelli.
The manner in which he’s getting these points is also promising. Singleton has a great feel for when to cut to the basket, leading to high quality looks around the rim. He’s also become better at attacking off the dribble, consistently driving into the paint from the outside and collapsing the defense. When he gets into the paint, he’s so physical to where it feels as though he’s converting at least one and-one every game.
Singleton is not the most polished player yet. The outside shot has yet to develop, as shown by his sub 20% three point percentage on the season, and his assist to turnover ratio leaves a lot to be desired.
But it’s hard not to be happy with how Singleton has played this season. If he continues to develop, NU should get four quality years of basketball out of its four star talent.
