Game thread: McKendree vs. Northwestern (Exhibition)

[mshelton33]

We are back at Welsh-Ryan Arena!

It was a long eight months but the Wildcats are finally back in action. They'll tip off against the McKendree Bearcats for a preseason exhibition at Welsh-Ryan Arena at 7 pm. The game will be aired on BTN+

Wildcats have some lingering injury issues on the back end of their rotation. Collins said that Nick Martinelli, Parker Strauss and Jordan Clayton could be limited or out tonight, but all are designated day-to-day.

 

[No Chores]

Hope you'll keep us posted from time to time during the game.

 

[TheC]

Yeah.... please update for anyone watching

 

[mshelton33]

Okay I can add live updates here as well as Twitter.

Right now it's 16-5 Cats, 14:17 in the first half, shooting is red hot. Cats have made their last four, Langborg looks like he's fitting right in. Slashed for a layup and used a pump fake into a drive to create an open corner three for Berry. He drilled it, great sight to see. NU has a huge physical advantage, they're pressing it early

 

[PURPLECAT88]

Solid start. 16-5 at the first break. Cats are sharing the ball well and rotating well on defense. Langborg is the fifth starter, bu Mullins in to replace him. Also Preston in for MN.

 

[mshelton33]

Preston and Mullins first off the bench

 

[mkilla]

Mullins 2-2 4pts

 

[mshelton33]

Another three from Berry, he has six points on 2-for-3 from three

 

[PURPLECAT88]

Mullins very aggressive in a good way. Langborg played the point while Buie rested.

 

[mshelton33]

My two main takeaways so far Offensive rebounding is still there. It's an exhibition against a D2 team, but NU is capitalizing. Four offensive boards already, 10 second chance points. Turnovers, less so. NU has forced two in eight minutes and change. Something to keep an eye on

 

[PURPLECAT88]

Mullins in a very small sample reminds me of Roper. Confident and fearless. Believes he belongs at this level.

 

[catfans5]

Before the tip, Hungrr had a huddle with the subs.

25-11

 

[PURPLECAT88]

Buie finds the big man no matter who it is.

 

[mshelton33]

Three B's: Buie, Berry, Barnhizer play the whole first 10 minutes

 

[mshelton33]

Langborg's shot is art. Really quick trigger and nothing but net

 

[ballerog711]

3 and 1's NU missed the opportunities missing the layups have to finish stronger at the rim,

It's fixable

 

[ThatkidfromHolland]

Good news is there’s a whole lot to improve upon. Really sloppy at times defensively.

 

[mshelton33]

Haha Mullins mistimed his steps and had to turn a dunk into a bit of a layup. NU up 15, cruising.

 

[catfans5]

36-21. Big Matt does not attempt much offensively. Mullins is very confident.

 

[catfans5]

Preston is in. Moves pretty well

 

[ballerog711]

One concern about Lamborghini is moving his feet on defense 3 fouls in the first half.
He can score with anyone, but has to stay on court.

Also, is Hunger hurt? Haven't seen him today.

 

[catfans5]

Preston sir balled a free throw.

 

[TheC]

Preston sir balled a free throw.

He respects the game.

 

[scoobycat]

Preston sir balled a free throw.

39.7% from FT line last year

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Good news is there’s a whole lot to improve upon. Really sloppy at times defensively.

The 🧙‍♀️ has that covered going forward.

 

[catfans5]

Up by 15 at half. Berry has to have missed at least 6 three pointers.

 

[PURPLECAT88]

Seven man rotation in first half. Dropped to six when Borg got in foul trouble. Hunger and the big Freshman are dressed but Mart and the other two are not.

 

[SimpsonElmwood]

Preston's a far worse free throw shooter than either Verhoeven and Nicholson. That technique is abysmal.

 

[SimpsonElmwood]

I wish Collins would put Hunger in for a few mins. And hope that Gus and Blake get to play!

 

[catfans5]

Barnhizer has 20. Up by 17.

 

[catfans5]

Make that 22. Preston lay up. 21 pt lead.

 

[mshelton33]

That's a "career high" for Barnhizer. His previous most for the Cats was 19 against tOSU and PSU last year.

 

[PURPLECAT88]

Hunger shows great attitude if nothing else. First off the bench to greet players at the time out. Gotta love that Canadian friendliness.

 

[SimpsonElmwood]

Barnhizer will annoy a lot of opponents this year.

 

[catfans5]

Berry hits a 3. 27 pt lead

 

[ballerog711]

Love how Brooks is scoring within the framework of the offense, no iso moves

 

[catfans5]

Preston waits for the ball leading to a strip. Collins gave him the business.

 

[catfans5]

Longborg (sic) had 2 quick 3s and a hot block. Up by 28 with ten to go

Hunger enters.

 

[mshelton33]

Wow, Mullins just threw down a dunk with next to no run up and no dribbles, off two. He has some serious bounce

 

[Hungry Jack]

Up by 15 at half. Berry has to have missed at least 6 three pointers.

Shot still flat?