Red-hot Nick Martinelli guides Northwestern against Eastern Illinois

Nick Martinelli figured prominently into Northwestern's outlook before the season. With running mate Brooks Barnhizer still working through a foot injury, however, Martinelli is embracing the opportunity to showcase his impact early. When Eastern Illinois visits Northwestern on Friday in Evanston, Ill., Martinelli will enter with a 28.3 ppg average in three games on 73.8 percent shooting. "I'd be hard-pressed to see across the country someone who's playing any better," Wildcats coach Chris Collins said.