EVANSTON, Ill . – Binghamton men's basketball (1-3) outscored Big Ten host Northwestern (3-0) in the second half but couldn't overcome a rough first half and dropped an 82-54 decision to the Wildcats Friday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The Wildcats put five players in double figures and shot 52 percent for the game. 

Hours before the game, the Bearcats and their famous ESPN alum Tony Kornheiser '70 were center stage during the taping of "Pardon the Interruption." Kornheiser and NU alum Michael Wilbon '80 sparred about their alma maters in front of a big audience at Welsh-Ryan Arena.     

Northwestern used its vast size advantage to jump out to a 22-7 lead and extended the margin to 48-19 at intermission. But the Bearcats battled throughout the game and outscored NU 35-34 over the final 20 minutes. Senior guard J.C. Show scored 12 of his team-high 15 points in the second half as BU shot 48 percent to find its rhythm. 

In addition to Show's 15 points, freshman guard Sam Sessoms tallied 11 points and freshman forward Calistus Anyichie showed tenacity with 10 rebounds and four points in 26 minutes of work. Senior center Chancellor Barnard added eight points and six rebounds despite giving up a half-foot in the post.  

"They came out and played very well early and enforced their will on us physically," head coach Tommy Dempsey said. "We had some good looks early that needed to go in if we were going to compete but Northwestern just ran away from us in that first half. I was proud of our kids though. At halftime we regrouped and won the second half. That wasn't our goal coming in here but that's all you can do when you have that kind of deficit is focus on the next 20 minutes ... and I thought our kids gathered themselves and played good basketball. They settled into the game but the hole was too big." 
 
Binghamton next plays at Colgate on Monday.