The Northwestern Wildcats men's basketball team kicked off their 2024-25 season with an impressive 89-62 exhibition victory over the Lewis Flyers on Wednesday night. Led by standout performances from junior forward Nick Martinelli and graduate student guard Jalen Leach, the Wildcats showcased their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity, setting the stage for an exciting campaign ahead.

Unleashing the Wildcats' Offensive Prowess

The Wildcats' offensive onslaught was spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Martinelli and Leach. Martinelli, the Glenbrook native, erupted for a team-high 25 points, showcasing his versatility by knocking down 3-of-5 three-pointers and leading the team with six rebounds and five assists. Leach, a graduate transfer from Fairfield, found his rhythm in the second half, scoring 14 of his 20 points to propel the Wildcats to victory.The Wildcats' offense faced some early challenges, committing eight turnovers in the first half alone. However, they quickly regained their composure, with Martinelli and redshirt sophomore forward Luke Hunger combining for 17 of the team's 22 points midway through the opening period. The Wildcats' offense found its stride in the latter stages of the first half, going on a 12-3 run to retake and extend their lead.

Freshman Phenom Windham Shines in Debut

Freshman guard K.J. Windham, who impressed during the Wildcats' European exhibitions, made his highly anticipated debut in Evanston on Wednesday. Rewarded with a starting role by head coach Chris Collins, Windham showcased his all-around skills, scoring nine points, dishing out a game-high five assists, and grabbing two rebounds.Windham's impact extended beyond the stat sheet, as he demonstrated his playmaking abilities and court vision. In the closing moments of the first half, Windham executed a remarkable pass around a Lewis defender, finding graduate student center Matthew Nicholson for a thunderous dunk as time expired. Windham's performance suggests that he could be a valuable addition to the Wildcats' backcourt rotation this season.

Leach Heats Up in the Second Half

After a somewhat subdued first-half performance, Leach caught fire in the second half, scoring 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. The 6-foot-4 guard proved his versatility, excelling both on and off the ball as the Wildcats asserted their dominance on the court.Leach's second-half explosion was a testament to his ability to adapt and make an impact when it mattered most. His performance showcased the depth and scoring potential of the Wildcats' backcourt, as he and Windham demonstrated their complementary skills and the potential to form a formidable duo.

Martinelli's Dominant Display

Junior forward Nick Martinelli's standout performance was a clear highlight of the exhibition game. The Glenbrook native led the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists, showcasing his well-rounded game and his ability to be the primary scoring option for the Wildcats.Martinelli's consistency and versatility were on full display, as he seamlessly transitioned from driving to the rim to knocking down three-pointers. His ability to facilitate the offense and contribute in multiple facets of the game will be crucial for the Wildcats as they look to replace the scoring output of graduated stars Boo Buie and Ryan Langborg.Despite taking a nasty fall late in the game, Martinelli demonstrated his toughness by remaining in the contest, further solidifying his status as a key leader and driving force for the Wildcats this season.