Game Time... Northwestern College hosts Dordt for a pivotal GPAC match-up on Wednesday night, Nov. 28. Tip-off at the Bultman Center is scheduled for 8pm. Northwestern has won two straight games and brings 6-4 overall record, 1-2 in the GPAC, into Wednesday night. Dordt has won its last four games and is 2-1 in the GPAC, 8-2 overall.

Follow the game live via the NWC webcast at the following link: Watch Now

All-Time... Northwestern is 78-31 all-time against the Defenders, dating back to the 1965-66 season. The Red Raiders have won five straight, sweeping both match-ups the last two seasons.

Scouting Report...

Dordt College: 2-1 (GPAC), 8-2 overall   Head Coach: Brian Van Haaften (1st year)

The Defenders have won four straight games since losing to fourth-ranked Morningside at home on Nov. 10. They have recorded wins over #17 Dakota Wesleyan, Dakota State, Waldorf and previously unbeaten Wartburg, all on the road. Dordt's only other loss was to Graceland (Iowa) in its second game of the season. 

Hired last March, Van Haaften is in his first season as the Defenders' head coach, coming to Dordt after a long tenure as the head of the Buena Vista program. Van Haaften earned over 400 wins and posted a 69% win percentage during his tenure (1996-2017) with the Beavers. He inherits a Defenders' squad that returns four starters and 10 players from a 2017-18 team that finished tied with Midland for eighth in the GPAC at 6-12, 12-19 overall.

By the Numbers: (GPAC / NAIA rank-if top 10)
    Scoring Offense: 83ppg (7th)
    Scoring Defense: 74.7ppg (3rd)
    Field Goal Percentage: 47% (10th)
    3pt Percentage: 38% (5th), 93 3pters (7th)
    Free Throw Percentage: 75% (4th)
    Rebound Margin: +7 (2nd)

Top Players:  (GPAC / NAIA rank-if top 10)
    Jesse Jansma - 15.3ppg, 18 3pters, 46% 3pt, 14 assists
    Garrett Franken - 14.6ppg, 17 3pters, 38% 3pt, 7.7rpg (2nd), 10 blocks (t4th)
    Chad Barkema - 12.1ppg, 6rpg, 25 assists, 10 blocks (T4th)
    Ben Gesink - 11ppg, 19 assists
    Josh Van Lingen - 10.9ppg, 11 3pters, 46% 3pt, 5.6rpg

Northwestern College: 1-2 (GPAC), 6-4 overall            Head Coach: Kris Korver (19th year)

The Red Raiders concluded last week with a 2-1 record, sweeping games at the St.Xavier (Ill.) Classic last weekend. They defeated the host Cougars in a high-scoring game, 114-103, and then defeated Trinity Christian the next day, 89-73. They return home after playing seven consecutive games on the road, last playing in the Bultman Center on Nov. 3.

Trent Hilbrands ranks ninth in the GPAC in scoring (17.9ppg) and has reached double-figures in nine of the 10 games played. Jay Small has scored in double figures in 10 games and Parker Mulder has a team-best two double-doubles. 

Northwestern has outrebounded its opponent in every game this season, by more than 10 boards in five games. The Red Raiders have shot better than its opponent in all six wins this season and has made more three-pointers than its opponent in five games.

By the Numbers: (GPAC / NAIA rank-if top 10)
    Scoring Offense: 93ppg (3rd)
    Scoring Defense: 78.8ppg (8th)
    Field Goal Percentage: 51% (2nd / 9th)
    3pt Percentage: 41% (3rd), 124 3pters (2nd / 7th)
    Free Throw Percentage: 77% (3rd)
    Rebound Margin: +11 (1st)

Top Players:  (GPAC / NAIA rank-if top 10)
    Trent Hilbrands - 17.9ppg (9th), 20 3pters, 39% 3pt, 4.1rpg, 37 assists (4th)
    Jay Small - 13.9ppg, 30 3pters (3rd), 42% 3pt (6th), 3.9rpg, 13 assists
    Parker Mulder - 9.6ppg, 52% FG, 6.9rpg (4th), 33 assists (7th)
    Steven Kragt - 9.5ppg, 12 3pters, 52% 3pt, 18 assists
    Grant Rohrer - 8.2ppg, 68% FG, 5.1rpg