Cats’ Corner: Your source for NU basketball

The energy that propelled the Wildcats to a double-digit lead has dissipated but unlike in previous games, they have been able to hold onto their second half lead without giving too much. They lead the Seminoles 63-53 with 3:03 left.

It helps that Florida State has shot themselves in the foot several times with unforced turnovers. Northwestern has put the defensive pressure on all game and has made Florida State look lost offensively. The Seminoles seem overwhelmed.

That does not mean Florida State cannot come back and make this a game late. Toney Douglas has 16 points and is carrying the offense right now. He has not been committing a lot of turnovers and the ball is going to be in his hands exclusively down the stretch.

No one else on Florida State has been able to do much else. All the shots the Seminoles were making in the first half have gone.

With the game slowing to a crawl, it definitely favors the more measured NU team. The Cats have executed their offense solidly all game and are doing it more so, working the shot clock low now that they have a solid lead.

They will need to make some more shots to ice this game and it might have to come from someone besides Craig Moore, who now has All-ACC Defensive Team member Douglas on him. It looks like NU is willing to answer the call and take this game.

Northwestern is off to its best start since 2001 witha 4-1 start. But the Wildcats will be playing for more than a 5-1 start tonight as they battle the Seminoles. NU’s game against Florida State may very well determine who wins the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, a competition the Big Ten has never won.

Obviously, that is the last thing on the Cats’ mind as they hope to continue their fast start. The 2001-02 season, interestingly enough, is the only season NU has finished with an overall record above .500 under coach Bill Carmody. More interestingly, that team defeated Florida State 57-50 at home in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

NU easily defeated UC Riverside 59-43 Monday night. The Cats have been able to race out to early leads and, except for the loss to Butler, have held on to the lead. The Bulldogs have been the toughest team NU has seen this season and the Seminoles should offer a stiffer challenge.

Florida State has gotten off to a 7-0 start, the team’s best in five season, and went to the NIT last season. The Seminoles lost some players from that squad, but they have gotten off to a quick start by winning some tight games. Florida State has won four games by four points or less.

Senior guard Toney Douglas is the team’s best player. He is averaging 19.0 points per game after being All-ACC Defensive Team selection and earning a spot on the All-ACC third team. He has gotten some help from freshman Chris Singleton down low. Singleton has added 10.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.

Keys to the Game

1. Keep the Seminoles in front on the perimeter- coach Bill Carmody said it simply after NU’s 81-39 opening game win over Central Arkansas: the difference between this year and last is the team’s ability to keep opponents in front of them on the perimeter. Stopping dribble penetration is a key for any team’s victory, but it was something the Cats struggled with especially last season.

Florida State is the most athletic team NU has faced so far this season and it will be a test for the team’s perimeter defense. Keeping players like Douglas from driving into the lane, will be important to maintaining the pressure the Cats want on defense.

2. Trust the system – it sounds real hoeky and a lot of people may not like it. But in the past, NU has closed the gap with strong teams by using its time-consuming Princeton offense and its pressure 1-3-1 zone. The 1-3-1 zone might not be used as much (although expect some of it tonight), but the pressure on defense and the methodical workings of the Prineceton will still be there.

It has been successful in the past and Florida State has not seen an offense like the Prinecton. Points are there to be had, but the Cats have to remain patient within their system and look for opportunities to attack. They have work within the system to find offense and they cannot get discouraged or rush when things go poorly if they want to win.

3. Rebounding – NU has already faced a solid rebounder, but probably none like Florida State can offer. Singleton has eight rebounds per game. While the Cats have done a good job rebounding, behind junior forward Kevin Coble’s 5.4 per game.

The big men have alleviated some pressure on the boards, but they will need to be on their game tonight crashing the glass. Florida State has given up more than 10 offensive rebounds per game (89 in seven games), so chances on the glass will be there.

Whoever wins the battle on the boards is most likely to win this game.