RPI and links from Thursday
Northwestern's current RPI is No. 134 in the nation -- and falling. This leads
nuhoops.com to believe that the Wildcats need more than a win Saturday
against Indiana and a win in the Big Ten tournament. It really may take
a win over Indiana and two wins in the Big Ten tournament to make the
NIT. Color us doubtful.
Below are the links from Thursday's newspapers with the best quotes
from each article. Full report after tonight's final Cat chat later
tonight.
Cats can't argue with defeat
By Brian Hanley / Chicago Sun-Times
"We came out giving them a lot of respect as a ranked team," forward Vedran Vukusic said. "Everyone knows they're the most physical team in the Big Ten, and we didn't match their physicality." (nooo, really?)
Carmody gets tossed in NU loss
By John Mullin / Chicago Tribune (subscription)
"We just got off to a horrible start," said Carmody. "It was too much to overcome in the second half. Our guys had used up too much energy at the end, but I liked the effort." (the defensive effort in the second half was remarkable)
State sours senior send-off
By Zach Pilka / Daily Northwestern
"We just started playing harder," Vukusic told the Daily. "I know it sounds bad, but I wish (Carmody's ejection) would have happened earlier in the first half." (who would ever admit this?)
Slow start ruins Wildcats' night against Michigan St.
By Adam Rittenberg / Daily Herald
"I've got to work on my free throws," Mohammed Hachad said. (nomination for understatement of the year)