The NIT-Style Historical Revisionism Edition...
I've seen several claims that NU has a history of futility in the NIT, that NU typically goes "one and done" or bows out when matched-up against a local opponent. Well here are the facts:
1983:
NU 71 Notre Dame 57
Depaul 65 NU 63
1994:
NU 69 Depaul 68
Xavier 83 NU 79 (OT)
1999:
Depaul 69 NU 64
NIT Summary:
vs Depaul (1-2)
vs Notre Dame (1-0)
vs Xavier (0-1)
Overall (2-3)
Conclusions: Once upon a time when NIT was an independent tournament (it is now run by the NCAA), the NIT must have had an unwritten rule that NU would be invited only when Depaul was in the NIT and that NU had to play Depaul or Notre Dame. NU went "one and done" once out of three berths, and NU was 2-2 against "local" programs.
Showing posts with label Notre Dame. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Notre Dame. Show all posts
16 March 2009
12 March 2009
NIT Bound?
So much for the hope of a 2 game run in the Big Ten Tournament and an invitation to the NCAAs. NU went one and done thanks to a 16-0 Minnesota run in the first half and Northwestern turning ice cold down the stretch. NU did manage to take a small lead late in the second half, but the momentum seemed to switch on a dime as Jeremy Nash clanked 2 free throws and Moore couldn't land a long range dagger. NU's first ever NCAA berth will just have to wait 'til next year (for a change, NU fans can mean it when they say it).
Northwestern took large strides this year but in the end came up just a bit short of the mark. I feel for Craig Moore who stepped up his play once again this year and took on the leadership mantle and thrived in that role. I expect to see Craig sitting right behind the bench next year in our first round game in the Big Dance with a big smile on his face.
The NIT awaits NU as a reward for a 17-13 and 8-11 season. The question of whom will be NU's opponent and where the first game will be answered in due time. NU fans have reason to be optimistic for an NIT run. Many NU fans have eyed Notre Dame as a potential first round foe. That would be a fun match-up and give us a chance to get a close look at former Wildcat recruit Luke Harangody who received much preseason praise.
Northwestern took large strides this year but in the end came up just a bit short of the mark. I feel for Craig Moore who stepped up his play once again this year and took on the leadership mantle and thrived in that role. I expect to see Craig sitting right behind the bench next year in our first round game in the Big Dance with a big smile on his face.
The NIT awaits NU as a reward for a 17-13 and 8-11 season. The question of whom will be NU's opponent and where the first game will be answered in due time. NU fans have reason to be optimistic for an NIT run. Many NU fans have eyed Notre Dame as a potential first round foe. That would be a fun match-up and give us a chance to get a close look at former Wildcat recruit Luke Harangody who received much preseason praise.
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