Jelling on the job comes with the territory in college basketball, though lately that goes double for Northwestern.
“Obviously, we always start the season just trying to figure things out, and especially this year with eight new guys,” said Wildcats forward Nick Martinelli. “You’ve just got to try to figure it out as much as possible.”
While the Wildcats realize the commodity they have in Martinelli, the reigning Big Ten scoring champion, they hope to build off an exciting first look at Arrinten Page when they host Boston University on Friday in Evanston, Ill.
The 6-foot-11, 245-pound Cincinnati transfer sparked Monday’s season-opening 70-47 victory against Mercyhurst with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
Page’s effort marked the first time a Northwestern player notched a double-double in his program debut since at least 2004. To Martinelli, who added 17 points, Page’s potential has been evident.
“He’s been huge the whole offseason,” Martinelli said. “We’re like, ‘Dang, where the heck did this kid come from?’ It’s just awesome to have kind of a running mate in the frontcourt, you know, doing the dirty work with me. … He’s just so skilled and talented.”
Northwestern (1-0) aims to keep progressing against Boston University, which won in overtime Monday at crosstown rival Northeastern.
Freshman Sam Hughes paced the Terriers (1-0) with 21 points off the bench, serving notice with a 5-for-9 showing from 3-point range.
“I’m very impressed just by his confidence for his first college game,” said teammate Ben Defty. “Just go out there and just pull those three with confidence and shot us in.”
The Wildcats also must hold Defty in check. The 7-footer’s 20 points came on 8-for-9 shooting and he added eight rebounds and five blocks.
Boston University’s frontcourt also includes 6-8 Malcolm Chimezie, who had seven boards and a block Monday.
“We’re two big bodies,” Defty said. “We both play physical and try and get to the rim a lot. I think if we can figure out how to play together, there’s good stuff to come.”
Terriers coach Joe Jones has 235 victories at BU, 13 shy of setting the program record.
–Field Level Media
