EVANSTON — The time had come. The time that Northwestern basketball fans have come to fear. The time when muscles tighten up, seats start to feel uncomfortable, and nervousness sets in.
Northwestern had played one of its most complete first halves of the season Sunday against Nebraska. Senior day emotions weren't a problem. Tre Demps and Alex Olah had scored 20 of the team's 37 points, and the Wildcats led the Cornhuskers by 15. It was everything senior day should be. It was celebratory; it was comfortable; it was impressive.
And then that time came. Just as it had at Penn State on Thursday after Northwestern held a 20-point lead.