Despite a first-round loss in the Big Ten Tournament, Northwestern shows a glimmer of competitiveness and young talent that can shine next year.
The Wildcats (9-21, 2-16 B1G) fell just short of completing a comeback against 11th-seeded Rutgers (12-19, 5-13 B1G) in Minneapolis, 63-59.
Kaylene Smikle put on a remarkable shooting display to lead the Scarlet Knights. The first-year dropped 26 points on 9-of-15 shooting, five rebounds, four steals and two blocks before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. Chyna Cornwell added 15 points and 15 rebounds, while Awa Sidibe and Kai Carter each added 11 points.