A 23-2 run at the start of the game helped 19th-ranked Northwestern extend its win streak to seven and defeat Thompson Rivers (B.C.) 86-56 in the first game of the Vanguard Christmas Classic played this afternoon in Costa Mesa, Calif. 

Northwestern improves to 12-2 this season and will play Westcliff (Calif.) on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 4pm (CST). 

Trent Hilbrands lit up the stat sheet with a game-high 23 points, making seven of his 13 three-point attempts. Craig Sterk scored 17 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out a career-best four assists. Grant Rohrer was the final NWC player to net double figures with 12 points and matched his career best with four assists. 

Tied for the only time (2-2), Hilbrands and Sterk combined to score 18 points during a 21-0 Northwestern run to put the Red Raiders up for good, 23-2. The teams traded baskets over the next seven minutes, until Northwestern closed the half with a 15-4 run, capped by a three-pointer from Hilbrands and jumper by Rohrer. The Red Raiders led 51-17 at the break, shot 58% in the opening half and limited Thompson Rivers to just 29%.

Northwestern led by 30+ points for all but five minutes in the final half. They held their largest lead, 63-26, following another three-pointer from Hilbrands at the 16-minute mark. 

The Red Raiders shot 49% for the game, 33% (12/36) from the three-point line and 80% (8/10) from the free throw line. They held a 35-25 edge on the boards and forced 17 turnovers on the defensive end.

Thompson Rivers, now 9-6 on the year, was led by Brendan Sullivan with 14 points. The Wolfpack shot 36% for the game, 25% (5/20) from the three-point line.