Game thread for DePaul vs. Northwestern

lou v

All-Conference
Staff member
Aug 27, 2004
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Matt Nicholson gets the start today over Tydus Verhoeven.

 

PURPLECAT88

Senior
Feb 4, 2003
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Good start on defense. Buie trying to shoot himself into the game, but otherwise the offense is moving well. MN making the most of his height.
 

NUCat320

Senior
Dec 4, 2005
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Excellent communication between Audige and Nicholson. Nicholson standing tall against the undersized post to draw the travel.
 
Aug 31, 2003
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Why does DePaul flop like that?

Because the refs have rewarded them handsomely for it. They've gotten several "3 free throw" fouls in every game I've watched with them.

Glad to see the refs finally nailed them for it.
 

NUCat320

Senior
Dec 4, 2005
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After seeing two minutes of Hunger making the catch and finishing, closing on the baseline, setting strong screens, and boxing out, I’ve got no need to see Verhoeven, except in the case of foul trouble. He is what he is. Let’s see if we underestimated Hunger like we did Pardon (and Nicholson).

My opinion is unchanged after Hunger’s too-aggressive attempt to cut off the entry pass.
 
Sep 9, 2015
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After seeing two minutes of Hunger making the catch and finishing, closing on the baseline, setting strong screens, and boxing out, I’ve got no need to see Verhoeven, except in the case of foul trouble. He is what he is. Let’s see if we underestimated Hunger like we did Pardon (and Nicholson).

My opinion is unchanged after Hunger’s too-aggressive attempt to cut off the entry pass.
Verhooven moves well and is a decent defender. I understand why Nicholson was eased into the starting lineup. Just glad he’s starting now.
 

DaCat

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
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A typical and predictable Collins set play at the end of the half. Everyone clear out and let Buie or Audige chuck it up. Otherwise a good half for the Cats.
 

PurpleWhiteBoy

Redshirt
Feb 25, 2021
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Good half for everyone except Buie.
Mistakes here and there but Audige was superb.

That Buie drive and lob to Nicholson is there if he does it on purpose.

Great to see Hunger on the court too.
 

macarthur31

Sophomore
Nov 9, 2006
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At the half - 'Cats doing a cover band version of "The Sky Team" with 5 blocks at the half. Would love to see the squad be more efficient in the offensive set. DePaul sagged and dared NU to hit 3s, and they did. Now they're trying to cover the arc, and that has opened up inside looks. DePaul hasn't shown they can take anything away, so the 'Cats just need to close on those closer 2s.

Very much impressed with the defensive intensity - they've already forced 10 TOs, and many more deflections which they were unlucky not to turn into a few more transition fast breaks.
 

DaCat

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
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Hope Audige continues to score in the second half. We need him to be a dependable scoring option for the B1G season.
 

GatoLouco

Sophomore
Nov 13, 2019
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Hunger’s lower body looks freakishly strong.

Damn shame Barnhizer’s shot looks so terrible. The form on the 3 he took looked bad.
 

macarthur31

Sophomore
Nov 9, 2006
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The first two minutes of the 2nd half was that beautiful fleeting experience of where the "idea" of Chase Audige actually manifested itself to be the "Best Case" Chase. (Actually, he's been terrific all game, but he was just a one-man wrecking crew on those three possessions.)
 
May 29, 2001
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Wildcats off to a strong start in the 2nd half. Nice look so far. I’ll be interested to see how they compete against other BT after their initial win against MSU on the road.
 

PURPLECAT88

Senior
Feb 4, 2003
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I’m no basketball expert, but I think opening the second half with a 27-6 run is a solid strategy for winning basketball games.
 

DaCat

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
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I’m no basketball expert, but I think opening the second half with a 27-6 run is a solid strategy for winning basketball games.
I don't know why coaches don't employ this strategy more often! That and the Touchdown Play in football.
 

PurpleWhiteBoy

Redshirt
Feb 25, 2021
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Hunger’s lower body looks freakishly strong.

Damn shame Barnhizer’s shot looks so terrible. The form on the 3 he took looked bad.
Barney wants to take his man to the hoop... but he has been turning it over trying to force passes and telegraphing them.

Hunger can play.... some opportunities at the 4 are warranted. Would have liked to see him with Verhoeven today after the game was locked up. We don't need him so much at the 5 and Nicholson and Verhoeven can't play the 4.
 

techtim72

Senior
May 10, 2010
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Audige credited Coach Lowery for making a difference in the defense this year. The announcers couldn't praise the defense enough.
 

PurpleWhiteBoy

Redshirt
Feb 25, 2021
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Audige credited Coach Lowery for making a difference in the defense this year. The announcers couldn't praise the defense enough.
I'll try to paraphrase using my less than excellent memory...

"Big shout out to Coach Lowery for the improvement in our defense - he's got us doing a bunch of things that we never did these last few years..."
 

1830 Sherman

Redshirt
May 29, 2001
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I think he’s ok. He’s not glib but there are far worse out there behind the mic.

At least he’s familiar with NU’s game, first names notwithstanding.