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Northwestern College Athletics

Northwestern College
HOME OF NORTHWESTERN RED RAIDERS ATHLETICS
HONORING CHRIST THROUGH EXCELLENCE IN ATHLETICS
Nike
mbb-recap-dwu-240124
68
Winner Northwestern NWC 16-4, 9-3
60
Dakota Wesleyan (SD) DWU 10-10, 5-7
Winner
Northwestern NWC
16-4, 9-3
68
Final
60
Dakota Wesleyan (SD) DWU
10-10, 5-7
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Northwestern NWC 28 40 68
Dakota Wesleyan (SD) DWU 16 44 60

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | NWC Athletic Communications

No. 14 Men’s Basketball Concludes Road Trip Victorious

Longest winning streak against DWU since 2012-14; Second consecutive road win in series

MITCHELL, S.D. – Alex Van Kalsbeek and Zach LaFave provided an efficient one-two punch for the No. 14 Northwestern Red Raiders (16-4, 9-3 GPAC) on Wednesday night, helping their team to a 68-60 win over Dakota Wesleyan (10-10, 5-7 GPAC).

"It wasn't what we would call a pretty one," noted head coach Kris Korver. "Neither team shot the ball particularly well, but I thought our guys battled and made things tough for Dakota Wesleyan. We knew they were going to try to be aggressive in the second half, and we withstood the run. Winning on the road is hard, and I thought our guys did a nice job tonight."

The Raiders' defensive effort in the first half provided an early boost, turning a 10-9 advantage at the midway point into a 12-point halftime lead. After the Tigers cut their deficit to 13-12 at 9:32, Northwestern finished the half on a 15-4 run, sparked by a Dillon Carlson three and carried along from five for LaFave.

Northwestern attempted to create a bit of space early in the second, with Van Kalsbeek's basket giving the Raiders a 37-23 with just under 16 minutes to play. The Tigers, however, responded by eventually tying the game at the nine-minute mark and taking a 47-46 lead with 7:40 on the clock. Needing to string together a run, Northwestern got into the paint and to the line to bring their lead back to double digits with under three to play. The Raiders withstood one final push from Dakota Wesleyan, who came within six in the final minute, to earn their ninth win in conference action.  

Northwestern is now locked in a tie for second place in the GPAC standings, facing conference leader Hastings in their next game.
 
GAME NOTES
  • Alex Van Kalsbeek led all scorers with 28 points, his 10th game this season with 20+ points.
  • He pulled down nine rebounds while also going 4-for-4 at the free throw line.
  • Zach LaFave scored 19 points, also recording eight boards and three steals.
  • Kaleb Booth and Dillon Carlson each dished out four assists.
  • Northwestern has now won three-straight against Dakota Wesleyan, their longest winning streak in the series since winning six in a row from 2012-14.
  • The Raiders shot an effective 15-for-20 from the line.
  • Northwestern's defense held the Tigers to a 29.2% clip.
Up Next: Northwestern is back home for a battle of top GPAC teams, hosting (RV) Hastings in the Bultman Center on Saturday at 3:45 p.m.
Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut
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