NU head coach Chris Collins
We played the last 10 minutes of the game as well as we've played all year. They didn't score a field goal in that time. Gavin's tip to Law for the 3 was a huge play. Gaines' defense and energy was big for NU. Anthony's D on Stevens was really good.
Defense down stretch: Our zone was effective. Two weeks ago, we played man-to-man and they scored 48 points in the paint. The zone flipped the script. Defense was able to keep them in check a little bit.
What did you learn in first game: I learned not to play man-to-man. They didn't have Josh Reaves. But they still have a lot of talent out there. Proud of our resolve to play well down the stretch.
Falzon: Had back spasms against OSU. Practiced this week. Gave him PT, but liked what small lineup gave them - Vic, Scottie and Gaines.
Carrying over emotion: I love these guy and what they've done for me and our program. I want them in these last 10 games without looking back. Whatever happened, happened. We still have half the league left. I'm always an optimist, always a believer. We had a 2-5 stretch last year. Have to take it one game at a time.
Got beat badly dribble-penetration the first time. They got by our guys at will. Didn't play with fight the first go-around. We were anxious to play them. We wanted to see if we could beat a team like this.
Allstate energy: It was good. Lot of kids out there today. I'm old school. College basketball was played on Saturday afternoon. I get an extra pep in our step. I felt our home crowd. I have this season. The home court is not the problem. Allstate has done everything they could for us.
