How Chris Collins Should Deploy Northwestern's Rotation in Big Ten Tournament

Northwestern wrapped up its regular season with a heartbreaking 66-67 loss to Minnesota, securing the 15th seed and will face 18th-seeded Penn State at the United Center in Chicago on Tuesday for the Big Ten Tournament's first round.

Nick Martinelli will undoubtedly lead the charge. The Big Ten's leading scorer for two consecutive years just created a new single-season scoring record (682) in program history. His dominance is unquestioned. But what matters most behind his greatness is how head coach Chris Collins deploys his rotation to better support his star, while looking forward to creating chaos in the tournament.

For the rotation, some things should stay the same. Jayden Reid and Jake West have formed a capable backcourt duo who can score back-and-forth. Despite concerns about Reid's consistency — the junior guard posted a zero-point game against Minnesota last Saturday — he is capable of finding ways to get downhill and draw contacts for free throws, providing value even when his shot isn't falling.

West, meanwhile, is feeling it from three-point range. Scoring 16 points that game, the freshman standout knocked down four treys against Minnesota in the regular-season finale and shoots 39.4% from deep, the team's second-best mark. His ability to create better shooting and provide higher efficiency with the ball makes him essential to Northwestern's offensive flow.

Facing Penn State's 7-foot center Ivan Juric in the first round, Arrinten Page, if healthy, should start to match up physically in the paint. Page provides the strength and rebounding on both sides that Northwestern needs against bigger opponents. If injury issues linger before Tuesday, Collins might have to rely on Tyler Kropp, who started 10 consecutive games in the second half of the season and has earned the coaching staff's trust.

Like West, Tre Singleton has shone throughout the season. The freshman has started 28 of 31 games and averaged 7.7 points and 4.9 rebounds, becoming one of Northwestern's most consistent players. He should be secured as a wing in the starting lineup, providing another scoring touch and size on the defensive end.

Off the bench, Jordan Clayton's clutch-time performance looms large. He's always provided timely big threes — knocking down 11 triples in the last five games while shooting 39.4% for the season with the second-most makes on the team. His ability to change momentum with one shot makes him invaluable in tight tournament games.

Angelo Ciaravino has appeared in all 31 games with 15 starts in a breakout campaign. Possessing a starter potential, the sophomore forward always remains prepared to provide his athleticism on those driving layups off the bench. His energy and slashing ability give Northwestern a different dimension.

But one critical question remains to be solved: the shooting woes. We saw it painfully in the Minnesota game, but this has become a season-long discourse that Northwestern has struggled to fix. Whether Collins should bring Max Green back is my question before the team kicks off the tournament. The sharpshooter hasn't played since Feb. 4, when Northwestern lost 44-84 brutally to Illinois, buried on the bench despite Collins emphasizing Northwestern is a "good shooting team."

If Northwestern wants to avoid another clutch-game collapse in the tournament, better perimeter shooting could be the difference. Green's shooting touch might be worth the gamble, even if it disrupts the established rotation.

The dream lives on for at least one more game. How Collins deploys his pieces will determine whether Northwestern can make a longer run or go home early.