Northwestern will hit the court for the first time this season tonight against Robert Morris (Ill.) College at 7 p.m. at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

The Wildcats are looking to improve upon their disappointing 8-22 record last season. NU went 1-17 in the Big Ten before nearly upsetting Minnesota in the Big Ten tournament.

The Cats return all five starters from last season’s team, but it is the freshmen who are stealing the spotlight entering the team’s only exhibition game.

Coach Bill Carmody filled a vital hole from last year’s roster by recruiting for size. NU did not have a player on last year’s roster listed taller than 6-foot-8.

This year’s roster has three players listed at 6-foot-9 or taller, including 7-foot freshman Kyle Rowley.

In an exhibition game last year against University of Chicago, freshmen Mike Capocci and Michael Thompson had stellar opening game performances.

Thompson, who started every game for the Cats at point guard, had 14 points and five assists against the Maroons. Capocci led the team with 18 points, but struggled throughout the season to find consistent playing time.

Junior Kevin Coble, the team’s leading scorer and rebounder the past two seasons, returns, as does senior 3-point specialist Craig Moore.

Robert Morris is ranked No. 2 in the NAIA Division I preseason national poll after reaching the Elite Eight of the national tournament with a 28-4 record.

The Eagles have reached the Final Four in the previous three years.

The Wildcats tip off their regular season Nov. 16 when they host Central Arkansas at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

– Staff Reports