Second-half thread for NU-Illinois

[lou v]

Well, NU was pretty miserable offensively for about 15 of the first 20 minutes but somehow forged a 28-28 tie at the half. BMac finally warmed up, hitting three straight shots after missing his first eight. Skelly also gave the team a boost, scoring four of his six points, pulling down two rebounds and getting a steal within a minute.

That stretch of the half when Illinois went on a 15-0 run is as out of sync as NU's offense has looked all year. BMac and Tap missed layups, Pardon got it stripped in the post, Skelly airballed a 3...it was ugly, ugly stuff. And I don't think I've ever seen a shot get more rim and then roll out than BMac's. That thing was 3/4ths of the way down!

All in all, you gotta like NU's chances.

 

[DaCat]

Hopefully we got that out of system.

 

[Alaskawildkat]

Ready to rumble. Go Cats!

 

[LansingCat]

A good team will struggle with the team like Illinois for 1/2 and then pull away and dominate . We are a good team!

 

[JournCat]

I don't think so. We don't have the weapons right now to break this game open. Seems like it will be a 40-minute slog.

 

[DaCat]

We miss Scottie's length on defense.

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

We got the weapons! Need to use them

 

[willycat]

I don't think so. We don't have the weapons right now to break this game open. Seems like it will be a 40-minute slog.

Lumpkin and Parton need to protect the paint. Mac needs to stop with floaters. Use the dam backboard. Another illinois dunk. Try Benson.

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

I only want Tap,Mac,and Law shooting outside! Pardon in paint

 

[Alaskawildkat]

Nice getting to see the new fake away from the lake.

 

[TheC]

Uggh... where is our defense? They're scoring every time!

 

[julescat]

uh-oh time. too tough for NU t score.

 

[catcrazy]

Why do we dribble in circles for 25 seconds and throw up a prayer. Pathetic

 

[lou v]

It looks like we're in the midst of another Illinois run. They had a 15-0 spurt in the first half and are working on a 9-0 run now. Illini up 44-39.

 

[Alaskawildkat]

Starting to mirror the first half. Glad Collins took a timeout to reset.

 

[julescat]

bugs the shit out of me how often BMac whines for a foul on missed shots when no one is anywhere near.

 

[catcrazy]

Wasn't that a three by McIntosh?

 

[JournCat]

uh-oh time. too tough for NU t score.

No unexpected saviors tonight. It will be Mac or Law, or we're going to lose.

 

[julescat]

No unexpected saviors tonight. It will be Mac or Law, or we're going to lose.

yes. just find some way to get a w in this.

 

[chicagocatfan24]

They look like shit

 

[willycat]

They look like shit

Relax. Lots of time. Illinois won't keep it up.

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

Brown is not the answer

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

Keep brown on the bench bring Jordan Ash in there for defense

 

[willycat]

Brown playing totally out of control. Had Pardon and Mac wide open trailing the play. They really miss Lindsey.

 

[lou v]

BMac or Law...or someone!...has to get hot down the stretch. NU's offense has been inefficient all night. Someone has to take over.

 

[catcrazy]

This is maddening we need a big run. This is maddening

 

[LansingCat]

Any minute now Illinois will tighten up and northwestern we'll take the game

 

[julescat]

jesus skelly

 

[JournCat]

Skelly got front of the rim this time!!!

 

[Alaskawildkat]

Back with a lead.

 

[NU Houston]

Why has Benson not played at all?

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

We do better with Brown on bench

 

[NU Houston]

Skelly got front of the rim this time!!!

It's really in his head now. He has no confidence in his shot.

 

[willycat]

jesus skelly

Put in Lindsey. Or Falzon. Or Vassar. Just kidding.

 

[JournCat]

Why has Benson not played at all?

My best guess is CC has decided we need Pardon's rebounding and defense more than any offense Benson could give us.

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

Benson? Where?

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

We can win! Just keep Brown on bench and let Tap,Law,and Mac shoot from outside

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

I told ya! No Skelly! Wtf

 

[lou v]

Well, BMac is coming through. He's 5-8 in the second half and has hit 8 of 11 since starting the game 0 for 8. We'll see if they can gut this one out and survive.

 

[NU Houston]

My best guess is CC has decided we need Pardon's rebounding and defense more than any offense Benson could give us.

Fine, but at least put him in when Pardon's on the bench. Skelley hasn't done much on either end of the court.