Tonight was one of those nights Northwestern needed to win. After moving into the rankings, at #25, for the first time since 1969, Northwestern did not start off conference play well, losing to Illinois and Michigan St. They rallied from 17 points down to defeat Michigan on Sunday and tonight were facing (#13 AP) Wisconsin. A win would give Northwestern some momentum, while a loss would leave them at 1-3 in Big Ten play.
Northwestern had a one-point lead with 5:04 remaining in the game even though they …

Northwestern needed to win tonight after losing two straight to Illinois and Michigan St. Although Northwestern played poorly (19 turnovers and shot 32%), they were able to pull out the victory over Texas-Pan American (who are now 1-16 after the loss) 53-44.
Obtaining TicketsI already had my ticket to the game since I bought season tickets at the start of the season.
Post Game DiningAfter the game I picked up Papa John’s for the wife and myself. My strategy is to attend the Northwestern men’s basketball games while Nicole (a Sociology Ph.D.) …

After waiting for an hour between the men’s and women’s games, the Northwestern women’s team took the court. Although expected, it was amazing to see there were only 567 people (according to nusports.com) who stuck around for the women’s game even though it was free. 5,098 attended the men’s game versus Stanford.
The GameNorthwestern jumped out to an 11-0 lead and never looked back defeating Chicago St. 85-64. Amy Jaeschke scored 29 points for the Wildcats, while Brittany Orban scored 20. It was the first time since January …

Today with my season ticket already in hand I headed up to Welsh-Ryan Arena for the Northwestern men’s basketball game versus Stanford. In addition to the men’s game, the Northwestern women’s team was playing Chicago St. at 4:00 pm (an hour after the men’s game ended). The women’s game was free with a ticket to the men’s contest.
ParkingFor the first time I parked on Central St. in front of Ryan Field – there is a section of parking directly west of the main parking lot where four cars can park …

On a normal night, I would not attend a Northwestern men’s basketball game instead of a Chicago Blackhawks game. However, that was not the case tonight. Earlier this year, I bought Northwestern men’s basketball season tickets for the first time since the 2004-05 season.
My reasoning was the same as it was that year – the Ultimate Sports Wife is a Ph.D. candidate at Northwestern University. By having season tickets, we could drive to Evanston together. Then I drop her off at the department before the game so she could work, …

Since I have season tickets to Northwestern men’s basketball, I decided to attend yesterday’s game even though I was also planning to attend the Chicago Bears Sunday night football game versus the Philadelphia Eagles. Blackhawks Jim and Blackhawks Jimmy Jr. were planning to pick me up from Northwestern, pick Nicole up from home and then drive to the Bears game for Tailgater Rob’s tailgate which started at 3:30 pm – quite the feat given the Northwestern game started at 1 pm.
I had considered not attending the game since the …

For the first time since October 2, 2004 I rushed the field at Ryan Field. That day, Northwestern defeated Ohio St. for the first time since 1971 and the first time at home since 1956.The GameYesterday Northwestern defeated Wisconsin 33-31 to give the Wildcats three consecutive victories in November. Northwestern took a 27-14 lead at halftime and never relinquished the lead. Once time expired Northwestern students stormed the field and we followed suit.
During the second quarter of the game, a football was thrown in my friends and my direction. I …

Last night Northwestern hosted (#10 ESPN/USA Today, #11 AP) – one of the highest ranked opponents to come to Evanston for a non-conference game. I already had my ticket since I purchased season tickets before the start of the season.
Pre Game DiningBefore the game I ate at Chili’s in downtown Evanston. Downtown Evanston has many different restaurants to dine at before or after Northwestern basketball.
The GameEven though Northwestern was playing their first game without Kevin Coble (their leading scorer and rebounder for the past three seasons), Northwestern played Butler tight …