The loss of now-WNBA star Veronica Burton has proven more damaging than many pundits initially imagined. Sitting with a teetering 6-7 record, Northwestern has reason to reflect on the early part of the season as it begins conference play.

Let’s take a dive into the stats that have defined the ‘Cats through 12 games and will influence them throughout the rest of the year.

0.98: Opponents’ points per scoring attempt

Based on points per game, Northwestern’s defense sits squarely in the bottom half of the Big Ten. Allowing about a point every time their opponent takes the ball down the floor is no feat for the ‘Cats to be proud of, and it’s a trend that’ll need to stop if the team hopes to improve its miserable track record against quality opponents.