Northwestern’s standout player, Martinelli, has made significant waves this season, joining an exclusive club of Big Ten athletes over the past three decades by averaging over 22 points and 6 rebounds per game. With a stellar scoring average of 22.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, Martinelli ranks first in the Big Ten and eighth nationally. His performance has been particularly impressive, completing 18 games this season with at least 20 points, the most in the conference and tying for third nationally.
The Glenview, Illinois native’s contributions to Northwestern have been remarkable. He has averaged 22.1 points while shooting at a 50% rate, which is also among the best in the Big Ten. His continuous scoring has solidified his place as one of Northwestern’s top scorers, amassing 1,580 career points, currently ranking 10th in program history. Just a few points shy of surpassing several former players, Martinelli is on track to become a top ten scorer in history.
This season has seen Martinelli extend his scoring streak to 12 consecutive games with 20 or more points, making it one of the longest runs by a Big Ten player in recent years. Notably, only legends Luka Garza and Zach Edey have managed longer streaks. He has recorded five career games with over 30 points, tying him for the most among active Big Ten players.
Northwestern’s team dynamics have also shown an uptick in performance, with 8.6 turnovers per game setting a program record. Their effective ball distribution is evident, ranking 36th in the country with an impressive average of 17.1 assists per game, while maintaining a solid assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.99, which is third-best nationally.
First-year players Tre Singleton and Jake West have emerged as solid contributors, with Singleton starting 23 games and ranking among the top first-years in the Big Ten, while West has significantly impacted the team with his playmaking ability. Senior forward performances have also contributed to the team’s depth, as they aim to maintain momentum heading into their next match against Maryland.
The Wildcats will face off against the Terrapins at home on February 18, marking a critical moment in their season. As both teams compete, Northwestern is looking to capitalize on its recent performances and maintain its edge in the Big Ten standings. With Martinelli leading the charge, the Wildcats are positioned for a strong finish this season, and fans can look forward to the impact he will continue to make on the court.