Jan 4, 2003

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EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) - Junior guard Jitim Young broke out of a recent slump, scoring 15 points and grabbing a career-high 13 rebounds to lead the Northwestern men's basketball team to a 70-42 victory over Long Island Saturday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Young also had four assists and five steals in 34 minutes Saturday, without committing a turnover. Young's running mate in the backcourt, freshman T.J. Parker, added 13 points -- his 10th straight game in double figures -- as the Wildcats closed out the nonconference portion of the schedule with an 8-3 record.

"Jitim had a lot of energy tonight," said NU head coach Bill Carmody. "He had some rebounds and assists. He didn't turn the ball over, which is great. He has had a tough time for a while so I am happy for him."

"I love the way T.J. has played all along," Carmody added. "He makes open shots and puts a lot of pressure on the defense. He has been really consistent for us."

Northwestern opened the game by outscoring Long Island 14-4 in the first eight minutes. Senior center Aaron Jennings scored seven points during the span, and he ended with 11 points. Fellow senior Jason Burke came off the bench and also added 11 points, while Mohamed Hachad established a new career best with seven points.

Northwestern was 15-for-19 from the free-throw line in the first half, while Long Island (3-7) was 7-for-16. In fact, the Blackbirds struggled in all areas of shooting Saturday -- they were just 27.5 percent from the field (14-of-51), 11.1 percent beyond the arc (2-of-18) and 40.0 percent from the foul line (12-of-30).

Young scored 10 first-half points and had nine boards in the stanza for the Wildcats, who led 36-21 at the break.

Northwestern has had trouble in recent games finishing off opponents, but that was not the case on Saturday. The Wildcats extended their lead to 51-31 on a Young jumper, and Burke capped a 9-0 run with a jumper to make it 60-33. Hachad gave Northwestern its largest lead of the game with a three-pointer, making it 69-36.

Antawn Dobie led Long Island with 11 points; he was the only Blackbirds player in double figures.

Northwestern has won three games in a row and matches its start from last year entering Big Ten play. Iowa comes to town to meet the Wildcats Wednesday night at Welsh-Ryan. Tipoff is 7 p.m.