How can the ‘Cats get their first Big Ten win?
On Saturday, Northwestern men’s basketball will finally resume their conference slate.
Overall, it has been a tough season for the ‘Cats, who currently hold an 8-5 overall record and sit at 0-2 in the Big Ten. Close losses and inconsistent performances on defense have been primary factors holding NU back. Starting on Saturday against Minnesota, the Wildcats will need to make a big run to move back into NCAA Tournament contention.
Here’s how they can begin on the right foot against the Golden Gophers.
Slow down Cade Tyson
A senior and UNC transfer, Tyson has had an electric season so far, averaging 21.9 points along with 5.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. As implied by those numbers, the scariest aspect of his game is the versatility that goes along with his size. At 6-foot-7, Tyson will be able to compete height-wise with every Wildcat player not named Arrinten Page, yet he also has the ability to play like a true guard by knocking down threes and driving to the basket.
Given the way the ‘Cats have performed defensively, there are few players that can be trusted to defend Tyson consistently. For now, their best bets are likely Angelo Ciaravino or Justin Mullins, who both stand at 6-foot-6 while having the abilities to defend a hybrid guard-forward energetically. 6-foot-2 Jordan Clayton is the only other reliable defender on the roster right now, but his skills are better put to use in defending a more traditional point or shooting guard.
However, because Tyson tends to start at the 4, the Wildcats could opt to have 6-foot-8 Tre Singleton guarding him for much of the game instead. Unfortunately for the ‘Cats, Singleton has had defensive struggles of his own. If the first-year gets stuck in such a difficult matchup for most of the game, the Wildcats will likely struggle to slow down the Minnesota star.
As a team, the Golden Gophers rank second-worst in the Big Ten in scoring, averaging a meager 72.7 points per game. Minnesota has a 6-1 record in games where Tyson has scored 21 or more points this season, but when he has fallen short of that mark, the Golden Gophers are 2-4. Granted, those four losses were mostly against better competition, but nonetheless, making things tough on Tyson must be a priority for the ‘Cats if they want to turn in a strong defensive performance.
Less Jayden Reid, more K.J. Windham
Despite his struggles, Reid has tons of upside and ability to offer the Wildcats for the remainder of the season. However, Saturday’s contest is a nightmare matchup for him. If Reid were to start at point guard on Saturday, he’d face off against senior Langston Reynolds, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound floor general who is at his best when scoring and passing inside the perimeter.
Reid should still receive significant playing time on Saturday due to his offensive explosiveness and quick first step, but Wildcat head coach Chris Collins should not be comfortable giving up six inches of height and 45 pounds to keep a struggling defender on the floor against Reynolds. Instead, the ‘Cats should start Jordan Clayton at point guard, put Justin Mullins into the initial five and give Reid about 15 to 20 minutes of playing time off the bench.
In Reid’s place, K.J. Windham is the perfect player to step up. The sophomore offers plenty of three-point ability while providing an occasional spark on defense. Windham has had some big-time moments in his Northwestern career so far, so he could be the perfect option to spell someone like Ciaravino or Mullins while coming off the bench.
The downside of having the latter two on the floor at the same time has often been a lack of three-point shooting ability. However, Mullins shot 4-of-5 from three last game against Howard, so the ’Cats may be able to rely on his hot hand in the short term if things hold. Add the potential of Windham coming off the bench, and any shooting problems for Northwestern could quickly be rectified.
Run significant offense through Arrinten Page
Unlike many Big Ten teams, Minnesota does not have a player taller than 6-foot-10 on the roster, and Jaylen Crocker-Johnson is likely to be the team’s tallest starter despite standing at just 6-foot-8. On offense, the Golden Gophers can sometimes play five-out to give players like Crocker-Johnson time on the perimeter, but Page’s post scoring ability could create a major mismatch for Minnesota defensively.
Coming off his one-game de facto suspension against Howard, Page should be hungry to score, and the ‘Cats should not hesitate to give him the ball in the post early. At 240 pounds, Crocker-Johnson has the size to defend near the basket. However, Page’s athletic upside gives him an incredible edge against most players down low, and if he gets consistent touches throughout Saturday’s contest, a big scoring game will likely come as a result.
Category: General Sports
