Feb. 01--After six straight losses, Northwestern was almost at a loss for words to explain their previous heart-wrenching defeats.
Make that seven in a row following Saturday night's loss by a more convincing margin, 68-60, against visting Purdue. The margin of defeat for Northwestern in the previous five games was 3.4 points.
A.J. Hammons led Purdue with 16 points.
Northwestern led the Boilermakers 29-28 at the half.
"I've told the guys that, to me, we're being tested in some way, to test our resiliency, to test how much we're going to keep fighting," NU Coach Chris Collins said before the game. "I think the one thing that comes out of it is how well we're playing. Not many teams go to Michigan State, go to Michigan, go to Maryland and have Ohio State (at Welsh-Ryan Arena) and have a lead or have the game (determined) at the last possession. It just hasn't happened."
The Boilermakers (14-8, 6-3 Big Ten) were coming off an 83-67 win over Indiana. The Wildcats have fallen to10-11 overall, 1-7 in the conference.
fmitchell@tribpub.com
Twitter @kicker34
Northwestern trying snap skid
