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Chris Collins, Northwestern Building Steam?

Former Duke star and assistant has the Wildcats on track for post-season play.

By JD King

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NCAA Basketball: Northwestern at Penn State
Dec 27, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Northwestern Wildcats head coach Chris Collins looks on against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half at the Bryce Jordan Center. Northwestern won 87-77.
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Don’t look now, but Chris Collins has Northwestern at 13-4. For the first time in our memory, the Wildcats have poll votes - two in the AP.

It may have happened before, but not very often.

Northwestern is currently 2-2 in conference with losses to Minnesota, currently in first place, and Michigan State, no shame there.

Neither was a blowout. The Gophers won by four and Tom Izzo’s Spartans by nine.

If we remember correctly, Northwestern has never won 20 games in a season. The might this year.

There are two games against Rutgers on the schedule, one against Iowa, one against Ohio State (neither team is really excelling), one against Nebraska, two against Indiana, were Tom Crean has really had some struggles, and one against Illinois.

In short, Northwestern has a chance at 20 wins and an excellent shot at post-season play. The rebuild is progressing nicely.

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