It’s getting chilly in Evanston and around the Big Ten. Blizzard season is approaching. After winning a share of the 2020 Big Ten regular season championship, Joe McKeown’s Wildcats sit at 17th in the AP Top 25 rankings two weeks into the season, though they have yet to take the floor. After its season-opener against Bradley was canceled, NU will open up Thursday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena against Eastern Illinois. Here’s what our staff thinks the season will go.

Lia Assimakopoulos

Regular season record: 18-4 (16-4)

Postseason: NCAA Tournament, Sweet Sixteen

MVP: Lindsey Pulliam

Breakout Player: Courtney Shaw

The ‘Cats are poised for another strong season after their Big Ten title in 2020.