Box Score Riley Francis poured in a career-high 21 points in leading Northwestern to a 77-66 road win over a ranked Peru State squad tonight in Peru, Neb.
Francis made 7-of-10 field goal attempts and also pulled down six rebounds to go with four assists. Christian Korver added a career-high 17, including five three-pointers, three during a decisive 16-6 run at the beginning of the second half that helped put the Bobcats away. Derek Buysse chipped in 14 points, six rebounds and three steals.
Northwestern fell behind early as the host Bobcats scored the first seven points of the game. The Red Raiders answered with a 10-2 run, sparked by a three-pointer from Korver and a basket in the paint by Jordan Baker. Northwestern built up as much as a five-point lead later but Peru State scored four straight to go down just one, 29-28, at the 3:26 mark. The Red Raiders closed the half with a 6-0 run, however, and held a 35-28 advantage at the break.
Two free throws by Nathan Wedel followed by a basket by Justin Van Kalsbeek began an early second half run as Northwestern built up a 20-point lead, 54-34. Korver drained three three-pointers during the stretch run and the Red Raiders limited Peru State to six points over a nine-minute stretch.
Northwestern shot 48% for the game and held a 38-28 advantage on the boards, led by four players (Buysse, Baker, Wedel and Francis) who pulled down six.
Peru State shot 39% for the game and was led by Lyle Hexom with a game-high 23 points.
