[NU Sports] Re: Thriller over previously undefeated Iowa State

[Weinbaum, Willie]

NU 72 ND 58
NU 67 Iowa St 65 (comeback win after nine-point second-half deficit)

The Wildcats haven't had comparable success in non-conference back-to-back games away from Evanston in 41 years, according to a quick check of the NU media guide online @ 

http://nusports.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/09-m-baskbl-media-guide.html

In 1968, the Cats beat Florida and B.C. in the Gator Bowl Classic (I don't know what the records of the Gators and Eagles were, so perhaps the wins over undefeated ND & ISU this weekend are even greater).  That season didn't turn out too well (the previous season was the only one the Cats have had since 1960 in which they finished over .500 in Big Ten conference games - - they were 8-6 in the Big Ten for three seasons in a row from 1957-58 through 1959-60 and have only been as good as 8-6 the one time since).

The Big Ten Network telecast also mentioned 1993 as the Cats' last champiosnhip in a tournament, but noted that it was the Hatter Classic in Florida and the wins were against Northeastern and Rider.   

The tournament this weekend wasn't far from Evanston but was very far from what we/NU fans have been used to and it was very encouraging to see how this team has worked to overcome the loss of its best player and a key role player.  It's still very early and there's no telling how things will work out the rest of the way with a tough conference schedule ahead (and a game at North Carolina State this Tuesday), but there is much more talent, balance and confidence than I can remember seeing.  Carmody seems much more comfortable with the players he has and the strategies he can employ.  In addition to the mature and sparkling play of Thompson, Shurna and Nash, Marcotullio has injected instant offense and smart and aggressive (even brash) play that has made a crucial difference in both games.  

These were significant hard-fought wins that warrant good feeling for the team and optimism.  The players have belief and it shows in the way they play and in the way Carmody is coaching.  Nash's clutch free throws last night after Curletti's stunning three-pointer (NU alums Revsine and Morris were audibly cringing as they called the play on TV) helped complete a Thanksgiving weekend to remember for NU faithful.

Go Cats,
Willie

-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces at tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces at tssi.com] On Behalf Of Ben Adler
Sent: Sunday, November 29, 2009 4:48 AM
To: nwu-sports at tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Thriller over previously undefeated Iowa State

My favorite stat, from the WGN postgame show: it's the first time the NU men's basketball team has won a tournament of any kind since 1993.

________________________________
From: "Weinbaum, Willie" <Willie.Weinbaum at espn.com>
To: "nwu-sports at tssi.com" <nwu-sports at tssi.com>
Sent: Sat, November 28, 2009 7:02:12 PM
Subject: [NU Sports] Thriller over previously undefeated Iowa State

And back-to-back games that rate among the best two straight in NU history.

Great defensive adjustments in second half and use of the roster by Carmody.  Shurna and Thompson again lead way, but Nash, Marcotullio and unsung Curletti with big help.


>From Blackberry - please excuse typos

W. Weinbaum
Producer
212-916-9864 (24-hour voicemail)
willie.weinbaum at espn.com