EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern University is set to host in-state rival Eastern Illinois in a highly anticipated matchup at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Friday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. CT. As part of a season-long four-game homestand, this clash will be broadcasted on Peacock, featuring Kevin Lee providing play-by-play commentary alongside analyst Tre Demps. Fans can also catch the action on WGN Radio 720 and SiriusXM Radio Channel 392, where the experienced Dave Eanet will take the reins as play-by-play voice, with insights from analyst Billy McKinney.
In their previous contest on Tuesday night (Nov. 12), the Wildcats improved their record to 2-1 by defeating UIC 83-74. The victory was driven by the standout performance of junior Nick Martinelli, who scored an impressive 27 points, hitting 10 of his 14 shots. Graduate student Jalen Leach made a significant impact, contributing 16 points on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting, marking his highest scoring output since joining the Wildcats, and adding three assists. Ty Berry also made a noteworthy contribution, snagging 13 points while successfully converting 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, and achieving his 14th career game with three or more steals. On the boards, junior Justin Mullins led the team with seven rebounds, while graduate student Matthew Nicholson showcased his defensive prowess by registering a season-high three blocks.
Nick Martinelli’s performance has been historic; he became the first Northwestern player to score 25 or more points in three consecutive games since the legendary John Shurna accomplished the feat nearly 13 years ago in December 2010. Notably, this makes Martinelli the first Wildcat since at least the 2004-05 season to score 25+ points in each of the opening three games of the season. So far, he is leading the Big Ten and standing sixth nationally with an average of 28.3 points per game, showcasing remarkable shooting accuracy at 73.8% from the field, while also pulling down 9.0 rebounds per game, which ranks fifth in the Big Ten. His shooting from beyond the arc has been flawless, converting all seven of his three-point attempts thus far.
Sullivan-Ubben Head Coach Chris Collins, now in his 12th season, has made a lasting impact on the program, with a total of 179 victories that rank him third all-time in Northwestern’s coaching history. Not only did he receive unanimous recognition as the 2023 Big Ten Coach of the Year, but he has also led the Wildcats to back-to-back seasons of 20 or more wins. In fact, Collins has been at the helm for four out of the six 20+ win seasons in the school’s history, including the successful campaigns of 2015-16, 2016-17, 2022-23, and now 2023-24. Under his leadership, the Wildcats have achieved a record-breaking 24 wins in Big Ten Conference play over the past two seasons, surpassing the previous benchmark of 20 wins achieved across the 1930-31 and 1931-32 seasons.
Historically, Northwestern holds a perfect 3-0 record against Eastern Illinois (1-2), with all encounters taking place at Welsh-Ryan Arena over the past 12 seasons. Interestingly, Collins’ debut as head coach occurred against the Panthers on Nov. 9, 2013, where the Wildcats secured a convincing 72-55 victory. The most recent match was played to start the 2021-22 season on Nov. 9, concluding with an 80-56 win for Northwestern, where Boo Buie led the team with game-highs of 17 points, five steals, and six assists, complemented by Berry’s 13 points and six rebounds.
In their opening three games of the season, Eastern Illinois has struggled against two Big Ten teams, suffering defeats in both contests. They opened their season with a challenging loss to Illinois, falling heavily 112-67, and narrowly lost to No. 16 Indiana on Nov. 10, despite being ahead at halftime, ultimately losing 90-55. Last season, the Panthers finished with a 14-18 overall record, including an 8-10 mark in the Ohio Valley Conference. Leading the team this season is Nakyel Shelton, who is averaging 15.7 points per game, demonstrating his scoring ability despite the team’s early struggles.
Following this matchup, the Wildcats will enjoy four days of rest before they compete once again, welcoming Montana State to Welsh-Ryan Arena for an 8 p.m. CT tip-off on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Basketball enthusiasts can catch this game on BTN and ESPN 1000 WMVP.
What strategies does Coach Collins believe are key to maintaining team morale during a challenging season?
**Interview with Chris Collins, Head Coach of Northwestern Wildcats Basketball**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Coach Collins. Excitement is building for the upcoming game against Eastern Illinois on November 15. What does this rivalry mean to you and the team?
**Coach Collins:** Thanks for having me. This rivalry is always special for us. It’s not just about the win-loss record; it’s about pride and the spirit of competition. We have a lot of respect for Eastern Illinois, and our players understand the significance of this matchup, especially as we continue our season-long homestand.
**Interviewer:** Your Wildcats just secured a strong win against UIC with some standout performances, particularly by Nick Martinelli. How important is it for you to have players stepping up like that early in the season?
**Coach Collins:** Absolutely crucial. Nick has been phenomenal, and his scoring consistency boosts our entire team. It not only fills the stat sheet but also lifts everyone’s spirits. We rely on our key players to set the tone, and seeing Nick step up like he has helps build our identity moving forward.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of Nick, he’s making history with his scoring performance. What have you seen in his development that has allowed him to excel this season?
**Coach Collins:** Nick has worked incredibly hard in the off-season. His commitment to improving his game, both physically and mentally, has really paid off. He’s not just scoring; he’s understanding how to find his spots and get open looks. It’s also about his teammates being unselfish and finding him. It’s a collective effort.
**Interviewer:** With your coaching experience and success, including back-to-back 20-win seasons, what keeps you motivated as you enter your 12th season?
**Coach Collins:** The game itself continues to motivate me. Each season is a new opportunity, and seeing our players grow and succeed is what drives me. Plus, this program has so much potential. I’m always excited about what we can achieve together, especially this season with how talented our squad is.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what are you hoping to see from your team as they prepare for this game against Eastern Illinois?
**Coach Collins:** I want to see us continue to build on our momentum. We need to play with intensity, execute our game plan, and improve our communication on both ends of the floor. Every game is a chance to learn, and I expect our guys to come out ready to compete from the first tip-off.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Coach Collins, for your insights. Best of luck against Eastern Illinois!
**Coach Collins:** Thank you! We appreciate the support. Looking forward to a great game.
