March 10, 2005

CHICAGO - Energy is what Northwestern University head coach Bill Carmody was looking for in the Wildcat's opening round Big Ten Conference Men's Basketball Tournament game versus the University of Michigan on Thursday (March 10) at the United Center.

Fourteen fast-break points were exactly what Carmody had in mind - as was the result, a 58-56 win over the Wolverine's to advance to the tournament quarterfinals versus Illinois on Friday (March 11) morning. The Wildcats used a lot of drives to the basket and ran a quick paced offense to defeat the Wolverines. Both Mohamed Hachad and T.J. Parker led the NU attack with 17 and 15 points respectively.

"I kind of picked that out early in the game," Hachad said on his ability to drive the lane at ease. "I saw the lane open up well tonight."

Hachad also added 7 rebounds in the win and has played well against the Wolverine's in both contests in the stat of Illinois.

"In the first half we didn't play well as coach said," said Hachad. "I don't know maybe it was too early. The second half we picked it up and guards really helped us win this game."

As a team, Northwestern had 12 steals with Michael Jenkins having five of those.  Jenkins was also crucial in the win when he put-back a shot with 1:13 remaining to keep the Wildcats on top.

"He is a tough player," Hachad said of Jenkins. "We love his energy. He brings that to practice every day. The Michigan players are big, long and tall players and I was amazed he got the shot off and was not fouled."

Before the game, Carmody tabbed Hachad as the starter over usual starter T.J. Parker. Both players responded to Carmody's role of the dice with Parker's 15 points and only two turnovers. Parker also hit two free throws with 6.5 seconds remaining in the game to maintain the Northwestern lead.

The Wildcats will need the same kind of effort and energy tomorrow when the take on the top team in the tournament and the nation - Illinois. Tip-off is set for 11:00 a.m