Pretty good defense...

[charcat]

We commented tonight, given how we were unable to shoot, we should have lost by 20, but the game stayed closer due to good defense. Another problem was rebounding as a couple of the Bigs for Maryland were really scooping up the rebounds.

Also #2 was the best player on the floor and scored inside and out. We had no answer for him.

 

[Alaskawildkat]

Agreed. Just look at the turnovers and blocks per BTN's graphic.

NUSports.com is in accord:

• After committing only 6 turnovers at Wisconsin on Sunday, the Wildcats again stayed below double-digits as they committed 8 turnovers against Maryland.
• Northwestern registered 8 blocked shots Wednesday. The Wildcats entered the contest ranked eighth nationally with an average of 5.8 blocks per game.

 

[hdhntr1]

We commented tonight, given how we were unable to shoot, we should have lost by 20, but the game stayed closer due to good defense. Another problem was rebounding as a couple of the Bigs for Maryland were really scooping up the rebounds.

Also #2 was the best player on the floor and scored inside and out. We had no answer for him.

D had holes we are not used to this year. Prior to Lindsey going down, FG% against was about 36% but in the games since, opponents have averaged about 45%. including 50% last night. In the three losses teams have averaged about 47%. The only team we kept below was WI at about 38% and that game we won. Big problem seems to be recovering on the three point shooters. IL shot about 43% from three, Purdue over 50% and last night 45%. So D was a big problem.

At the same time, our 3 point shooting has fallen off a cliff. 14% against PU, 22% last night, 30% against IL. IL and MD were winnable games but not allowing them to shoot like that while ours was struggling.

 

[DaCat]

Our D makes it tough to score in the paint. I don't know how teams are shooting so well against us from the 3-point range. We've run up against some hot shooters who had sketchy performances before playing against us. Trimble slashed us with his drives to the basket and his outside shooting. A tough combo to stop.