Jeffrey Green

Despite 32 points from Gonzaga's Senior guard Stanley Hodge, Northwestern was in command most of the way and took home the summer league title, 63-57.Senior Jeff Green put on an impressive performance for Northwestern with about 20 points and 8 rebounds. He is a very athletic, strong 6-8 forward who can run the floor, finish with the best of them and plays with a mean streak. He put on a show in the all star game that followed as well. He has very good hands that swallow up rebounds and alley oop passes.

In the championship game, Northwestern led 12-4 and 19-12 early on. Hodge gave Gonzaga the lead at 24-23 with 3:00 to go in the 1st half. But by halftime, Northwestern had reclaimed the lead, 32-27.

Gonzaga normally makes a living off of getting good looks at the basket. Tonight, I thought the Northwestern defense made them work for every point. During one stretch, Gonzaga settled for 3 straight quick 3s on consecutive possessions. You rarely see that from them.

Northwestern pushed the lead to 44-32 with 11:40 remaining. Gonzaga was on the ropes, but fought back off them with counter-punches. They got within 48-41 and had possession of the ball. They missed a three and Northwestern pushed it back to 52-41.

Gonzaga made a late run, but couldn't get over the hump.

I thought Northwestern won with defense and excellent rebounding. Gonzaga put up a valiant effort and when you play so many games, you're not going to win them all. I think tonight's game was a good one to tell them they still have some work to do.