The Wildcats have played hard all season long even at times when their obvious superior opponents overmatched them. In front off a crowd fitting for a High School J.V. game it looked as if the Iowa Hawkeye’s would breeze through the windy city pick up an easy win then head back west to Iowa City.

At the first T.V. timeout Northwestern was down 15-4 and it was ugly. The student section consisting of 59 die-hard freshmen that bravely came to the game in spite of the cold weather didn’t have much to cheer about. Iowa was getting everything they wanted inside. Tony Freeman was running the point efficiently and Justin Johnson wasn’t missing from beyond the arc.

As the half was rolling along Iowa had a comfortable lead, Northwestern was chipping away but never could catch up.

Michael Thompson the Wildcats point guard played 31 minutes but had foul troubles. Not having him out on the court more hurt Northwestern. I like this kid; they call him “Juice”. Up on the big screen after he scored (14 pts for the game) it read Michael “Juice” Thompson. I saw this kid play while he was in High School at Lincoln Park. Then they just called him Michael Thompson. Where did the “Juice” come from? The last athlete given the nickname of the “Juice” he ended up being liable for the murder of his ex-wife and her friend. I’m not saying that Michael is going to kill his ex-wife or her friend or that he is even going to have an ex-wife or that she’s going to have friends. I’m just trying to figure out why his nickname is the “Juice”. Maybe he’s breaking the stereotype that a good person can still have the nickname “Juice”. At least he isn’t trying to sport the Hitler mustache. He has 3 more years at Northwestern he is going to be a special player for them.

That’s how the first half was going, my mind was wondering off, Iowa was in control then while I was coming up with wise cracks Northwestern made a mini run before the half to pull within 6 points of Iowa 27-33.

By the first T.V. timeout Northwestern is only down by 2 pts after a nifty 2 pt jumper by the “Juice”. Then as the 2nd half is going along Iowa starts sinking shot after shot. Freeman, Johnson, and Jake Kelly were the workhorses for the Hawkeye’s playing 40, 40, and 39 minutes respectively. With them leading the way Iowa pushed the lead to 14. Northwestern seemed out of it.

I start looking around the arena looking up in the cheap seats and notice that people were actually still sitting in their designated seats even though there was plenty empties to choose from. Like the nickname “Juice” I stared to wonder why? Was it the ample elbowroom? Were they enjoying their chitchat? Did they have gas? Or just plain o simple honesty? Thankfully, before I came to a conclusion the Wildcats made a run.

My focus is back.

At the 5:07 mark Iowa has to call a timeout because Northwestern picked up 7 quick points. 2 baskets, a steal, and a 3-pointer. Now we have a game! The students were on their feet. It was exciting! Jeremy Nash on the next Wildcat possession banks a 3-pointer to make the deficit only 4. Then Nikola Baran gets fouled and goes to the line and converts both free throws to make it a 2-point game. Northwestern applies the full court pressure Nash comes up with a turnover one of 16 the Hawkeye’s committed. He is fouled and converts 1-2 free throws. The Wildcats are now down by one 55-56. Kevin Coble had a chance to put the Wildcats a head as Kelly fouled him while he was shooting a 3. Coble could only hit 1 of 3.

Tony Freeman comes down with ice in his veins and drains a three with a hand in his face. Northwestern comes down and answers with their own 3 by the 6 foot 3 Junior Craig Moore. Iowa’s inbounds the ball Freeman dishes off to Kelly who makes a3 of his own. Moore un-phased knocks down another 3.

Northwestern steals the inbound pass. Thompson puts up a shot but misses Iowa comes down with board.

The Wildcats have one last shot at tying the game, but Coble’s 3-pont attempt clanks off the rim and Iowa’s Seth Gorney ices the game with free throws. Northwestern loses 67-62.

The 2nd half of this game was as exciting as any game this season. Northwestern has had a bad year in terms of wins and loses but as Coach Carmody said in his post-game press conference “these boys haven’t given up all year.” It’s true especially during tonight’s game.

Tough loss. Tough team. Tough season. Small crowd.

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ryan said:

	if the glove dosen't fit, you must aquit!!!! i like this freshman i actually read about him in an espn blog last year that was talking about chicago D-1 prospects.
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March 05, 2008
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