Northwestern shook off its Iowa heartbreak and delivered under the Friday night lights at Welsh-Ryan, edging Illinois 71-68 in overtime. The win marked the Wildcats’ third straight home victory over their rival Illini.

Nick Martinelli stole the show. The junior forward poured in 27 points and controlled the overtime period, willing NU across the finish line.

Defense set the tone. Illinois rolled in with a top-10 scoring offense, but the ’Cats held them to just 27 points in the first half and only two made threes. Chris Collins’ group matched the Illini on the glass, forced turnovers, and protected the paint to keep the game within reach.

Offense was a grind. NU shot 31% in the opening frame and went 2-for-12 from deep. Brooks Barnhizer and Martinelli struggled to find their rhythm early, while Fairfield transfer Jalen Leach kept the offense alive with eight first-half points.

Momentum swings told the story. Illinois stretched its lead to 10 midway through the second half, but Northwestern clawed back with an 8-0 run to tie it late. Barnhizer had a look to win it in regulation, but his three bounced out, sending the game to OT.

Veterans went missing. After dropping 20 at Iowa earlier in the week, Ty Berry couldn’t get it going. The grad guard finished scoreless for the third time this season, leaving NU to lean entirely on Martinelli, Barnhizer, and Leach for points.

The takeaway: In a game where every possession mattered, Northwestern’s defense and Martinelli’s takeover were the difference. The Wildcats proved they can hang with the Big Ten’s best and protected home court in one of the league’s fiercest rivalries.

Written by: Michael Sanders