Feb. 11--The law of averages doesn't always apply in the Big Ten, even though Northwestern appears long overdue for a break.
Tuesday night was not that time as Michigan State handed the Wildcats their 10th straight loss, 68-44.
But Northwestern shot just 18 percent from the field in the first half (4-for-22) and trailed 38-14 at the intermission. MSU had a 22-0 run at one point.
Northwestern out-played the Spartans for much of the game in East Lansing, Mich., on Jan. 11. But NU couldn't close the deal with a last-second shot and a missed follow-up in regulation. MSU then took over in the extra session to escape with an 84-77 triumph.
It's not often that Northwestern has had such an excellent opportunity to defeat Michigan State. In fact, the Spartans now have won 22 of the last 24 between the two teams.
MSU was coming off a 59-54 home loss to Illinois and Spartans coach Tom Izzo figured to have his team prepared for a rebound win. Meanwhile, NU still needs to stop the bleeding. The Wildcats have not celebrated a victory in 2015. Their last win came on Dec. 30 at Rutgers.
fmitchell@tribpub.com
Twitter @kicker34
Wildcats long overdue for a victory
