Northwestern basketball: Top 5 games from the 2016-17 season

The Northwestern basketball team made program history by making its first NCAA Tournament, but what were the top five games for the Wildcats?

Northwestern finished the 2016-17 season tied for fifth in the Big Ten. It was the highest finish in the Big Ten since the 2003-04 season, when they also finished tied for fifth. Northwestern has never been known for its athletics but rather for the academic excellence and notable alumni.

The Wildcats, however, have been improving their athletic programs across the board in recent years. The Northwestern basketball team had a record 24 wins and made the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. They have had two straight 20+ win seasons and just locked down Chris Collins to a lengthy extension.

Teams will no longer look forward to playing Northwestern as they can pose real challenges for just about everyone. They will be much more experienced next year and will finally have the pressure of making the NCAA Tournament off them.

In addition, this was the final year at Welsh-Ryan Arena until the renovations are complete and the Wildcats closed it out on a high note. The Wildcats will return all but two players from the 2016-17 roster and will look to build on an incredible season.

Bryant McIntosh will enter his senior season as the all-time leader in assists and a second-team All-Big Ten player. Scottie Lindsey will return as the team’s second highest scorer after averaging just over 14 points per game.

Vic Law and Dererk Pardon will also return, giving the Wildcats a more experience rebounding and scoring attack. With an additional year of playing time and NCAA Tournament experience, this squad can be a real threat in the Big Ten going forward.