Northwestern snaps 10-game losing streak, beats Iowa in OT

Northwestern had several — for lack of a better term — Wildcat moments in its victory Saturday against Iowa.

There were lucky shots by the Hawkeyes, foolish turnovers and even some boneheaded plays.

But unlike they’ve done for much of the season, the Wildcats were able to overcome their mistakes — and their misfortune — and beat the Hawkeyes 66-61 in overtime. With the victory, Northwestern snapped a 10-game losing streak.

After center Alex Olah hit two free throws, the Wildcats led by four with 19 seconds left in regulation. Iowa’s Jarrod Uthoff hit a three on the ensuing possession to pull Iowa within one with 12 seconds left.

The Hawkeyes fouled Northwestern point guard Bryant McIntosh on the inbounds play. McIntosh hit two free throws with 11 seconds left to put the Wildcats back up by three.

Northwestern coach Chris Collins called a timeout after the second free throw to set up his defense. The Wildcats played as tight as possible, but somehow, despite superb defense by Vic Law, Uthoff managed to hit an off-balance three-pointer with three seconds left to send the game to overtime.

“I really feel that that shot by Uthoff went in to test us in a sick kind of way,” Collins said.

Northwestern has had plenty of close games and even more gut-wrenching moments. The Wildcats lost a late lead at Michigan State and fell in overtime. They lost close games to Purdue, Ohio State, Illinois and Michigan. They blew a double-digit lead late at No. 13 Maryland.

So Uthoff’s shot easily could have deflated Northwestern. But Collins apparently had his players in the right frame of mind.

“We really tried the last couple days to not think about our failings of the last month,” Collins said. “Let’s forget about the losing streak, and let’s just start fresh.

“Let’s wipe the slate clean, and let’s be a team that we all want to be with our fight, with our spirit. And to their credit, they responded.”

The Wildcats went into overtime with confidence, not the downtrodden, woebegone looks from previous games. Then they allowed only two field goals in overtime, playing the kind of defense that Collins has encouraged all year.

McIntosh led the Wildcats with 18 points and four assists. Tre Demps added 16 points and three assists. The duo combined for two turnovers.

“It’s huge. It’s hard to put into words just because I think the natural tendency, when you lose a bunch of games like that, is to quit,” Demps said. “And not necessarily just stop playing, but with your spirit and not bring your heart every day to practice.

“All the guys, we kind of came together and said we’re going to continue to fight until the season’s over.”

Email: sgruen@suntimes.com

Twitter: @SethGruen