Northwestern wins Big Ten opener, 51-47

Posted December 30, 2014 1:00 pm

Associated Press

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Bryant McIntosh had 17 points and hit the game-sealing free throws as Northwestern hung on to defeat Rutgers in its Big Ten opener 51-47 on Tuesday.

Tre Demps added 16 points for the Wildcats (10-4, 1-0 Big Ten), who won their fourth straight despite scoring just seven points in the final 10:45.

Myles Mack had 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists for the Scarlet Knights (8-6, 0-1), who were playing their inaugural game as a member of the Big Ten.

Northwestern took its largest lead at 44-35 on McIntosh's short jumper with 10:45 remaining. The Wildcats then went 10:16 without a point but Rutgers could only close to within 44-41 with 1:38 left. The Knights had a chance to tie but missed a 3-pointer and three straight follow attempts.

After Bishop Daniels' 3-pointer got Rutgers within 49-47 with 6 seconds left, McIntosh made two foul shots with 1.3 remaining to clinch it.

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