As the calendar gets ready to flip from 2022 to 2023, it’s anyone’s guess what kind of team Northwestern will field in the latter half of its season.
Over recent years, the results have varied. In 2020, the Wildcats reached their highest ranking since November 2017 at No. 19 after defeating No. 4 Michigan State, Indiana and No. 23 Ohio State in consecutive bouts. Then, of course, came the program-long 13-game losing streak that ended any and all hopes of a trip to the tourney. The 2021-22 team seemed slightly less hopeful but still started 8-2 with a win over Maryland and close losses to Providence and Wake Forest.