Fruendt energizes Northwestern

INDIANAPOLIS — It’s an understatement to say Nick Fruendt’s career arc at Northwestern hasn’t gone as hoped.

The junior sharpshooter entered Thursday’s Big Ten tournament first-round game with just 141 minutes on his college resume.

During his four years as a starter at Batavia High School, he’d play almost that much during a single holiday tournament.

But when the Wildcats needed Fruendt to step in for the injured JerShon Cobb (hip) and Mike Capocci (concussion) against Minnesota, he delivered like never before.

Fruendt scored 7 points in 11 minutes off the bench — his personal bests against a Big Ten opponent — to give the Wildcats a lift in their 75-65 win.

During Northwestern’s big run midway through the second half, Fruendt drilled his fifth career 3-pointer to boost the Wildcats’ lead to 48-44.

“Pretty exhilarated right there,” Fruendt said. “Because I’ve been working ever since I came here on improving my 3-point shot and making it more consistent.”

After the game, Carmody semi-joked with Fruendt that he wouldn’t have seen the court in the second half if he hadn’t contributed two layups and solid defense in the first half.

“That’s added pressure,” Carmody said. “And he was cool out there and he did everything he should do. I just thought it was a terrific performance on his part for a guy who hasn’t played that much.”

Fruendt didn’t play when No. 1 Ohio State edged Northwestern 58-57 on Jan. 29, but the Wildcats need him for the rematch.

Cobb has been ruled out and Capocci must pass the concussion protocol in order to get on the court.

“The whole year, I’ve been ready to go in these games,” Fruendt said. “Unfortunately I haven’t gotten to play that much this year, but I keep the mind-set of being always ready.”