Game Time...Northwestern College is set to play top-ranked Morningside in a GPAC men's basketball match-up this weekend in Sioux City, Iowa. Tip-off on Saturday, Jan. 11 is set for 8pm. Ranked 19th in the most recent NAIA D-II Coaches' poll, Northwestern is currently tied with Mount Marty for third place in the GPAC standings with a 6-3 record, 14-5 overall. Morningside, the only unbeaten team left in NAIA D-II, is a perfect 9-0 in the GPAC, 17-0 overall. 

    Follow the game live via the following links: Watch Now | Live Stats | KSOU radio

All-Time...Northwestern holds a slight lead in the all-time series, 23-20, dating back to the first match-up played against the Mustangs in 1973. The Red Raiders are 4-6 over their last 10 games against Morningside, losing both meetings last year. 
    
    2018-19: 92-72 loss
                   90-85 loss
    2017-18: 80-76 loss
                   66-57 win
                   86-71 loss

Scouting Reports...

    No.1 Morningside Mustangs: 9-0 (1st), 17-0 overall            Head Coach: Jim Sykes (16th year)

The top-rated Mustangs hold a full two-game lead in the GPAC standings over Dakota Wesleyan with one game left before the mid-point of the regular season schedule. They are a perfect 9-0 in GPAC play with five of those wins by 10-points or less. Morningside is the only unbeaten team left in the NAIA D-II and has seven wins over teams ranked or earning votes in the NAIA poll. Last time out, they cruised to an 81-48 home win over Nebraska Christian on Wednesday night.

Coach Sykes is in his 16th season and has the most wins in program history. He returns four starters and 11 players from a 2018-19 team that won the GPAC regular season title with an 18-2 record and lost in the national quarterfinals to College of Idaho. Sykes has claimed the GPAC Coach of the Year honor the last two years. 

    By the Numbers: (GPAC / NAIA rank-if top 10)
    Scoring Offense: 82.6ppg (6th)
    Scoring Defense: 64.9ppg (1st/3rd)
    Field Goal Percentage: 53% (1st / 2nd)
    3pt Percentage: 39% (4th), 139 3pters (10th)
    Free Throw Percentage: 66% (10th)
    Rebound Margin: +9 (2nd)

    Top Players:  (GPAC / NAIA rank-if top 10)
    Tyler Borchers(All-American) - 17.3ppg (8th), 66% FG (1st/3rd), 6.3rpg (7th)
    Zach Imig (2x All-Conference) - 13.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 70 assists (2nd)
    Alex Borchers (2x All-Conference) - 10.7ppg, 21 3pters, 47 assists
    Trey Brown (All-Conference) - 9.3ppg, 62% FG

    19th-ranked Northwestern: 6-3 (T3rd), 14-5 overall        Head Coach: Kris Korver (20th year)

Since a seven-game win streak prior to the new year, Northwestern has dropped three of its last five games, two within GPAC play. They are currently tied with Mount Marty for third in the conference standings at 6-3, 1/2 game up on Dordt. 

    By the Numbers: (GPAC / NAIA rank-if top 10)
    Scoring Offense: 88.3ppg (3rd)
    Scoring Defense: 75.1ppg (4th)
    Field Goal Percentage: 49% (5th)
    3pt Percentage: 38% (6th), 220 3pters (3rd/8th)
    Free Throw Percentage: 74% (5th)
    Rebound Margin: +6 (3rd)

    Top Players:  (GPAC / NAIA rank-if top 10)
    Trent Hilbrands (All-American) - 18.1ppg (5th), 58 3pters (4th), 45% 3pt (7th), 47 assists 
    Jay Small (All-Conference) - 15.4ppg, 55 3pters (6th), 6.1rpg (10th), 56 assists (9th) 
    Craig Sterk (All-Conference) - 13.4ppg, 17 3pters, 6rpg, 25 blocks (3rd)
    Grant Rohrer - 11.4ppg, 69% FG, 5.5rpg