Jay Small poured in a career-high 30 points in leading Northwestern to a 114-103 victory over St. Xavier University (Ill.) in the first game of the St.Xavier Classic played this afternoon in Chicago, Ill. The Red Raiders snap their two game losing skid and improve to 5-4 on the year.

One of six Red Raiders to score in double figures, Small matched his career-best by making six three-pointers (also done vs Viterbo) and made 10-of-17 field goal attempts en route to a 30-point effort. Small also contributed three assists and three rebounds. Parker Mulder netted a season-high 19 points and pulled down 11 boards for his second career double-double. Steven Kragt chipped in a career-high 16 points, going 7-for-9 from the field.

Down by five (61-56) after a high-scoring first half, Northwestern outscored the hosts 58-42 over the final 20 minutes to get the come from behind win. Back-to-back three-pointers by Isaac Heyer and Small to start the second half put the Red Raiders in front and the teams traded baskets for the next several minutes. 

Trailing by two (92-90), Northwestern scored the next nine points, taking the lead for good on a Christian Korver three-pointer. A lay-up by Kragt followed by two free throws by Mulder put the Red Raiders in front by 10 with 1:35 left to go. Coach Korver's squad sealed the win at the free throw line, going 8-for-8 down the stretch.

Northwestern better than 60% in each half and 63% for the game. Trent Hilbrands (13 points, 3 rebounds), Isaac Heyer (12 points) and Grant Rohrer (12 points, 7 boards) were the other top scorers for Coach Korver's squad. The Red Raiders held a commanding edge on the glass once again, outrebounding the Cougars 40-27. Heyer matched his career-high with five assists.

After shooting 62% in the first half, St. Xavier cooled off to 38% over the final 20 minutes and 50% for the game. Jack Halverson led the Cougars with 24 points and Tyler Diehl scored 20 in the losing effort.

St. Xavier grabbed a double-digit lead (46-33) after a 14-2 run with 5:50 left in the opening half. Northwestern closed the half with a 12-6 run, led by Small with a couple of three-pointers along with two free throws to cut the lead down to five. 

Northwestern will play Trinity Christian on Saturday at noon.