Coming off the best game I've seen NIU play (other than perhaps NIU's wins over Akron during the Patton years, those games made no sense...also, I only go back to the late Judson years), NIU faces Seattle tonight.
I want to see the "roll" continue (2 good road losses in a row is a roll for NIU), but consistency is the hardest thing to acquire for a young team. Especially on the road.
Seattle is dreadful, no doubt...though, it should be said, NIU is not good enough yet to laugh at any opponent.
Did NIU miss Nader? He's averaging 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.5 steals in the 2 games (and a lot of fouls). NIU is averaging 14 more points per game with him. Yeah, they missed him.
Having Nader allows Monty to bring Akeem Springs off the bench, and he's averaging 16.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game since the move. He's also shooting over 50% the last two games, so hopefully I won't have to beg him to shoot less.
NIU has forced 16 turnovers or more in the last four. The price has been heavy fouling, but I love the defensive pressure.
Seattle has been in some shootouts and some stinkers this year, so it's tough to say how this one will go.
Hopefully, NIU can get over the close-but-no-stogie hump and win a road game.
You might have to pay to see this one, as I didn't see it on First Row Sports though it MAY (I'm not sure) be free at
Seattle's Stream if you register. It seems to be the case, but I don't want to disappoint ye.
You can always go Huskie All-Access too. And you should be able to find a radio feed if all else fails (WLBK 1360-AM, 98.9-FM in DeKalb).
Go Huskies!
