Northwestern seeks more grit in Big Ten home opener vs. Ohio State

Northwestern will aim to bounce back from a loss in its Big Ten opener when the Wildcats host Ohio State on Saturday in Evanston, Ill.

Coach Chris Collins promised the Wildcats (5-3, 0-1 Big Ten) will have a better effort against the Buckeyes (6-1, 0-0) than they showed in an 85-73 loss on Wednesday at Wisconsin.

"We have an opportunity to go home and play in front of our home crowd on Saturday afternoon and have a chance to try to make things right," Collins said. "We're playing a terrific team on Saturday, but I guarantee you on Saturday afternoon that (Northwestern) will be a team that is competing with a high level of spirit and energy and togetherness, and it's my job to find those guys that are going to do that."

He was displeased with the lack of aggressiveness on the boards and defending in the first half against the Badgers, when the Wildcats trailed 55-32.

"We've got to be a lot better with our grit and physicality and toughness some," Collins said. "I'm not sure the last time I remember a half where we didn't force a turnover. I think they had 15 assists, no turnovers."

Ohio State coach Jake Diebler looks at Northwestern and sees a talented group led by Nick Martinelli, the 2024-25 Big Ten scoring champion.

"It starts with Martinelli," Diebler said. "He's a gifted player, scored at a high level for multiple years now and is continuing to do so this year. I think the addition of (Arrinten) Page in the middle has been great."

The Buckeyes haven't played since a 67-66 loss at the buzzer on Nov. 28 at Pitt. They have used the week to heal.

Guard John Mobley Jr. (14.9 points per game) has an ankle injury and center Christoph Tilly (15.3 points, 5.3 rebounds per game) was also hampered against Pitt.

Diebler was unsure Thursday who will be available Saturday.

"It's going to be fluid," he said. "But right now, we're working as hard as we can to be at full strength."

--Field Level Media