Northwestern’s four-game homestand got off to a successful start Monday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Rebounding from their frustrating loss at Butler, the Wildcats ended California-Riverside’s four-game winning streak with a relatively easy 59-43 victory.
The rout began when Northwestern (4-1) scored 12 unanswered points to seize a 13-point lead with 4 minutes 52 seconds to play in the first half. After the Highlanders (4-2) scored the next three points, the Wildcats ended the half by scoring nine in a row to increase their lead to 32-14.
Michael Thompson, with eight points, and backcourt partner Craig Moore, with seven, were in the forefront of the 21-3 run. Kevin Coble contributed four of his team-high 14 points during the spurt, and 7-foot freshman center Kyle Rowley began the spree by scoring from underneath.
Interior scoring, defense and rebounding were the main ingredients in NU’s first-half dominance. The Wildcats outscored the visitors 14-4 in the paint, held them to 24 percent shooting from the field and gave them a 21-13 beating on the backboards.
Approaching the midway point in the second half and with his team on top by 20, coach Bill Carmody went to his bench. California-Riverside reduced its deficit to 48-35, and Northwestern starters Moore, Thompson and Rowley re-entered the game.
Moore, Rowley and John Shurna had 10 points apiece, giving the Wildcats four double-figure scorers.
The homestand continues with a Wednesday night game against Florida State in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.
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nmilbert@tribune.com
