Northwestern, Washington Endure Similar Struggles

Both teams look to build momentum heading into Saturday matchup

Jan. 31, 2026 at 6:15am

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The men's basketball seasons for Washington and Northwestern have been nearly mirror images of each other, with both teams enduring multiple narrow losses. However, the teams diverged on Thursday night, with Northwestern putting a 94-73 beatdown on visiting Penn State while Washington fell 75-66 to No. 9 Illinois. Despite their records, both coaches believe their teams are improving and playing better basketball as they prepare to face off on Saturday.

Why it matters

The similar trajectories of these two teams, both of whom have struggled with close losses this season, make their upcoming matchup an intriguing one. The game provides an opportunity for both squads to build momentum and potentially turn their seasons around as conference play continues.

The details

Washington snapped a three-game skid with a win over rival Oregon last Sunday, but couldn't keep up with Illinois despite a strong performance from freshman Hannes Steinbach. Meanwhile, Northwestern is coming off a big home win over Penn State, led by 34 points from Nick Martinelli. Wildcats coach Chris Collins believes his team is starting to play better basketball after getting their first conference win last week.

  • The teams will face off on Saturday, January 31, 2026 in Evanston, Illinois.
  • Northwestern beat Penn State 94-73 on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
  • Washington lost 75-66 to No. 9 Illinois on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

The players

Nick Martinelli

The Northwestern guard leads the nation with an average of 24 points per game and matched his career high with 34 points in the win over Penn State.

Tre Singleton

The Northwestern forward scored 17 points and grabbed a career-best 18 rebounds in the win over Penn State.

Angelo Ciaravino

The Northwestern guard scored a career-high 20 points off the bench in the win over Penn State.

Hannes Steinbach

The Washington freshman forward leads the Big Ten with 13 double-doubles this season and had 15 points and 12 rebounds in the loss to Illinois.

Chris Collins

The Northwestern head coach believes his team is starting to play better basketball after getting their first conference win last week.

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What they’re saying

“That was a huge win for us, coming off the West Coast trip where we played pretty well last week. I knew both teams were going to be hungry. I just kept telling my team that whatever team was going to start getting a few stops was going to win.”

— Chris Collins, Northwestern Head Coach

“Regardless of wins, losses, I've just felt better about the way we've approached ourselves heading into these games.”

— Chris Collins, Northwestern Head Coach

“Northwestern is playing great basketball. I know they beat Penn State (Thursday), they had a big road win at USC the other night, they played UCLA tough. They are getting better and better, just like we are.”

— Danny Sprinkle, Washington Head Coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

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