NIU is a lengthy team that possesses similar athletic abilities to NU. However, NU is clearly the superior team as a whole. NIU have a few players who excel at scoring, especially Amos, who was on fire during the game. Number 2 for NIU was a mismatch displaying impressive speed and strength while getting away with a few push-offs. Additionally, NIU has some talented individual defenders, and their guard is exceptionally quick.
Defensively, NU played well, demonstrating good communication and smooth switching. I appreciate how their guards actively contribute to rebounding. One area where the team needs improvement is taking better care of the ball. Nevertheless, offensively, this team has made significant improvements compared to last season, thanks to the development of several players. Their focus on defense remains centered around forcing turnovers, which they were successful at generating during this game.
Martinelli showcased some impressive moves with his left hand and had a fantastic defensive possession, where he blocked an opponent's shot, despite a questionable foul call. He responded to this questionable call by draining a three-pointer from a beautiful assist courtesy of Nicholson. Martinelli's scoring abilities off the bench are a valuable asset to the team.
Buie is so skillful at drawing fouls. He also excels at distributing the ball and has been very active defensively this year, especially in getting hands in passing lanes. He gave up an easy basket to feed Nicholson for a dunk. Buie understands the importance of involving his teammates in scoring to secure victories but needs to work on minimizing turnovers. One of Buie's strengths is his driving ability, particularly when he drives to his right. At times, he displays exceptional performance and becomes almost unstoppable. Among the team, Buie possesses unmatched passing ability, which opens up opportunities for players like Matt and others on the offensive end. He significantly impacted this game with his play.
Langborg started off quietly but later became more involved in the game. He found himself in foul trouble throughout the game but managed to make a three-pointer to kick off the second half. Even when his shots aren't falling, Langborg remains a valuable player due to his intelligence, offensive skills, and decent defense. He showcases more athleticism than I expected.
Barnhizer should look to pass the ball when he's trapped near the low post, as sometimes he takes shots when he's not in the ideal position. However, he does possess a smooth shooting stroke from beyond the arc, and his shooting percentage is likely to improve this year. Like others, he needs to work on reducing turnovers. Despite not scoring, Barnhizer continues to contribute significantly on the defensive end and with his hustle plays.
Hunger, undoubtedly, possesses the highest offensive potential among all the centers for NU. However, he simply needs to become more comfortable within the team's offensive system and improve his defensive positioning. There is still significant room for growth on the defensive end of the court. On the offensive side, I appreciate his size and ability. It was impressive to see him score from midrange with a faceup move. He also had another impressive drive to the basket in this game. The coaching staff has a proven track record of developing big players, and Hunger possesses more natural skills than both Nicholson and Olah. His shooting form suggests that he is capable of hitting three-pointers, although it would be great to see him actually make one. If he can play defense well enough to take the backup center's minutes, it bodes well for NU's bench strength.
Clayton made an excellent move after receiving a handoff from Nicholson. Unfortunately, he struggled defensively and allowed his opponents to score 10 points on him in the first half.
Berry displayed quick hands and had a few outstanding defensive possessions. He was able to generate numerous steals by disrupting passing lanes and challenging driving players. He caused three steals early in the game, with the third leading to an easy dunk for himself. However, he landed awkwardly after being undercut while attempting a beautiful three-point shot. Prior to that, he had showcased solid defensive plays and seemed to be gaining momentum. It was encouraging to see him back in the game after that incident. Berry displayed great awareness as he grabbed a rebound and immediately passed to a wide open Buie. He also made some impressive shots. His defensive contributions have a significant impact on the team.
Nicholson continues to display excellent passing skills from the top of the key. It was satisfying to see him finish strongly in traffic while also drawing a foul for a successful dunk. The dunk, where he was not initially aware of the contact, gave him an early boost of confidence. It is evident that he is currently the team's best center in terms of defense. He displayed his defensive skills by preventing an easy score after the opposing guard beat Martinelli off the dribble, showcasing Nicholson's ability as a help defender. If he had performed this way against Mississippi State, the outcome could have been different. His court vision has significantly improved this season. He should focus on utilizing his size to secure more rebounds. Overall great game for the big man.
This was a definitive victory against a solid MAC team. Onto the next one. Go cats.
sports.yahoo.com
