For Northwestern to make its first-ever appearance in the
NCAA tournament next month, it would seem that the Wildcats basically have to
win every game remaining on their regular season schedule. As of now, coach
Bill Carmody acknowledges that the Wildcats aren't being talked about for an
NCAA bid. Getting to .500 in the Big Ten might help that talk, he said Monday.
"We're not in the discussion right now and we've played
pretty decently of late," Carmody said. "I think it depends on how Michigan and
Penn State go [this week]."
NU is at Michigan on Wednesday and at Penn State on Sunday.
The Wildcats need to have a better February on the road than they did a year
ago, when road losses in February hurt their chances at a tournament bid despite a school record 20-win season.
* In women's basketball news, Amy Jaeschke was named the Big
Ten Player of the Week for the fourth time this season. Jaeschke averaged 25.5
points in two Wildcat victories last week against Illinois and Ohio State.
* The Wildcat men's golf team opens the season this weekend in
Florida at the Big Ten Match Play Championships. NU will play Friday and
Saturday at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens. The field is ranked
12th strongest of any college tournament field this season.
If we're still stuck here in the snow and cold, at least the
men's golf team can escape and get in some sun.