The Wildcats finished the 2016 – 17 season 20 – 11 , 8 – 8 in Big Ten play to finish in a tie for eighth place . They defeated Iowa in the second round of the Big Ten Women 's Tournament before losing to Ohio State . Despite having 20 wins , they were not invited to a postseason tournament first time since 2013
Big Ten Women 's Tournament
2017 Big Ten Conference Women's Basketball Tournament
2017–18 Northwestern Wildcats women's basketball team