The highly anticipated 2024-25 Northwestern men’s basketball season has officially commenced, bringing excitement to fans and players alike.
In a thrilling exhibition match against Lewis on Wednesday, junior forward Nick Martinelli shone brightly, scoring an impressive team-high of 25 points while sinking 3-of-5 three-pointers. Alongside him, graduate student guard Jalen Leach played a critical role, guiding Northwestern to a commanding 89-62 victory.
During the Wildcats’ inaugural matchup of the season on the familiar hardwood of Welsh-Ryan Arena, early-season nerves were palpable as the team committed a troubling eight turnovers in just the first half.
Martinelli kicked off the scoring with a sharp three-pointer, but the Northwestern offense faced considerable challenges in the early going.
Lewis took advantage of the Wildcats’ struggles with a 6-0 spurt that carried into the 12-minute timeout, extending their run to 9-0 by the ten-minute mark. At a crucial midpoint of the first half, Northwestern had as many turnovers (six) as they had successful field goals made.
However, NU began to find its rhythm and regained its momentum down the stretch of the first half, orchestrating a 12-3 run that allowed them to reclaim and extend their lead, capitalizing on a five-minute scoring drought by Lewis.
When the two teams headed to the locker room, Northwestern held a 37-30 advantage, setting the stage for an intense second half.
Lewis, determined to mount a comeback, narrowed the gap to 46-42 at one point, aided by their impressive shooting as they made four of their five attempts in the second half.
Leach erupted offensively, contributing 14 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting from the field, helping NU to assert control over the game and ultimately secure their 14th consecutive exhibition victory.
Here are three key takeaways from Wednesday’s exhibition.
1. Martinelli stars as primary scorer
With the departures of graduated stars Boo Buie and Ryan Langborg, someone needed to step up for Northwestern’s scoring needs. On Wednesday night, Martinelli embraced that challenge.
The Glenbrook native started strong, maintaining his aggressive pace throughout the match.
Martinelli showcased his versatility on the court, not only leading the team in scoring but also gathering six rebounds and tying for the game-high with five assists.
His ability to drive to the basket and facilitate the offense stood out, particularly as he took a hard fall with nine minutes left in the game but managed to jog off the court under his own power to continue contributing.
Head Coach Chris Collins had noted to CBS Sports’s Jon Rothstein prior to the season that he observed significant improvement in Martinelli’s game over the offseason, a sentiment that was validated by his impressive performance on Wednesday.
2. Windham excels in Wildcats debut
Freshman guard K.J. Windham, who impressed during NU’s exhibition tour in Europe, earned his first start on Wednesday. Collins’s faith in Windham’s work ethic in the offseason was rewarded as he delivered a standout performance.
Windham netted nine points, matched a game-high with five assists, and contributed two rebounds. Just before halftime, he executed a remarkable pass around a Lewis defender to graduate student center Matthew Nicholson, who finished with a dunk as the buzzer sounded.
Demonstrating his long-range shooting skills, Windham also connected on two of three three-point attempts throughout the game.
With just six and a half minutes left in the match, Windham drove aggressively to the basket, successfully converting an acrobatic floater while drawing a foul for an added free throw.
Although he played only 21 minutes, Windham’s impact on the game was significant. If he continues to excel, he is likely to earn a larger role in Collins’s backcourt as he progresses through his freshman season, reminiscent of another former NU point guard who became an integral part of the program.
3. Leach heats up in second half, turns in spectacle
Graduate student guard Jalen Leach made an impactful debut for Northwestern after transferring from Fairfield last spring. Despite facing some early struggles in the first half, he ignited offensively in the second half, scoring an impressive 14 points in the final 20 minutes, finishing the night with a total of 20 points on a strong 7-of-12 shooting, including 3-for-6 from beyond the arc.
The 6-foot-4 guard showcased his ability to be versatile, playing effectively with and without the ball as Northwestern asserted their dominance on the court.
Leach’s performance in the second half could position him well for a steady role in NU’s backcourt throughout the remainder of the season, provided he maintains the level of play he exhibited in the latter half of the match.
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**Interview with Northwestern Men’s Basketball Analyst, Alex Carter**
**Host**: Welcome, Alex! We’re excited to discuss the recent exhibition game where Northwestern took down Lewis 89-62. What were your overall impressions of the game?
**Alex**: Thanks for having me! It was a solid performance from Northwestern, especially considering it was their first game of the season. They had their ups and downs, but the resilience they showed was impressive. The way they turned it around in the first half after those initial struggles really stood out.
**Host**: Nick Martinelli had an exceptional game, scoring 25 points. What can you tell us about his performance?
**Alex**: Martinelli was definitely the star of the night. With the departure of key players like Boo Buie and Ryan Langborg, the pressure was on him to step up, and he did just that. He showed not only his scoring ability with those three-pointers but also contributed in other areas—six rebounds and five assists highlight his versatility. His ability to bounce back after taking a hard fall is a testament to his toughness.
**Host**: Many fans were keen to see how the new players would perform. K.J. Windham certainly made an impact. What did you think of his debut?
**Alex**: Windham was fantastic. Starting his first game as a freshman is no small feat, and he handled it well. His nine points and five assists show he’s not just a scorer; he can facilitate the offense too. That assist right before halftime was a highlight—the way he maneuvered around the defender was impressive. He’s definitely someone to watch moving forward.
**Host**: The team had quite a few turnovers early on. How do you think they can improve in that area as the season progresses?
**Alex**: Turnovers can be a major hurdle, especially early in the season when players are still finding their rhythm. Northwestern will need to focus on better communication and decision-making on the court. As players get more comfortable with each other and the system, those numbers should improve. Learning to adjust under pressure will be key as they face stronger opponents.
**Host**: Going forward, what will be critical for the Wildcats in their upcoming games?
**Alex**: Building on this momentum is crucial. They need to maintain the offensive rhythm we saw in the latter half of the game and tighten their defense. Additionally, developing depth will be important; as we saw with Martinelli’s heavy lifting early on, they’ll need others to step up consistently. I’m excited to see how they evolve as a team throughout the season.
**Host**: Thank you, Alex! It’s been great getting your insights about the Wildcats as they gear up for an exciting season ahead.
**Alex**: My pleasure! Looking forward to discussing more games as the season unfolds.
