To say expectations were low for Northwestern entering the season is an understatement. Four of ESPN’s five panelists picked them to finish 13th in the conference, and the fifth slotted them in last place. WNUR’s Kevin Sweeney — the G.O.A.T. for all things college basketball — projected them at 14th as well in his preseason preview. Even our own roundtable of writers here at Inside NU predicted an average conference record of 4.5 wins and 15.5 losses.
With one-tenth of league play completed, the ‘Cats are nearly halfway to that win projection and in sole possession of first place in what many have dubbed the best conference in the country.