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Dec 16, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Valparaiso Beacons guard Brody Whitaker (3) defends Northwestern Wildcats ahead Nick Martinelli (2) in the course of the first half at Welsh-Ryan Area. Necessary Credit score: David Banks-Imagn Pictures Northwestern ought to regain the providers of the nation’s No. 9 scorer when it closes nonconference play Tuesday afternoon in opposition to Howard in Evanston, Unwell.
Senior ahead Nick Martinelli (21.9 ppg), who missed the Wildcats’ 61-58 loss to Butler on Dec. 20 because of a concussion, has returned on the apply flooring and is predicted to play in opposition to the Bison.
With out Martinelli, the Wildcats (7-5) scored virtually 25 fewer factors in opposition to Butler than their common getting into the sport. Northwestern shot a season-low 35.9% from the sector and almost a season-low 17.4% on 3-point makes an attempt.
On the plus facet, the Wildcats doubled down on their defensive effort and performed at a degree that ought to serve them nicely when Massive Ten play resumes Saturday in opposition to Minnesota. They compelled 14 turnovers and restricted a good-shooting Butler squad to 7 of 30 from 3-point vary. Solely UConn (60 factors on Dec. 16) allowed fewer factors to the Bulldogs.
“We defended very well all day lengthy,” Northwestern coach Chris Collins mentioned.
Whereas Howard (9-5) is ostensibly a purchase recreation for Northwestern, the Bison haven’t been enjoying like they are often purchased. They arrive in Evanston on a five-game profitable streak with the final 4 coming away from house. Of their final outing on Dec. 20, the Bison constructed a 14-point second-half lead in opposition to a stable UNC Wilmington squad and held on for a one-point street win.
“We have now plenty of items that may assist us,” head coach Kenny Blakeney advised Howard Information Service final month.
The first piece is fifth-year guard Bryce Harris, who averages 19.8 factors and seven.2 rebounds and may contend for Mid-Jap Athletic Convention Participant of the 12 months honors. Cedric Taylor III, who missed the primary 11 video games with a hand harm, has delivered 12.3 factors, 6.0 rebounds and three.0 assists throughout his first three video games again.
Howard additionally awaits the return of junior guard Alex Cotton (10.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg), who has missed the final two video games with an harm. Within the Bison’s opener in opposition to Missouri, Cotton drilled 6 of 12 3-point makes an attempt on his approach to 20 factors.
–Area Degree Media
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