ORANGE CITY, Iowa — Northwestern College secured an 83-72 victory over Grand View University on Saturday at Bultman Center, dominating the paint with 50 points.

Northwestern opened the first quarter with a strong performance, establishing an early lead with layups by Jenna Kluxdal and Ashtyn Wobig. The home team maintained pressure, highlighted by defensive stops including a block and rebound by Allison Piercy at 6:56. Despite the Red Raiders' efforts, the Vikings responded with a series of key plays to shift momentum. Claire Galbraith's 3-pointer at 6:25 and subsequent layup by Lily Smith allowed the visitors to edge ahead. The Raiders kept the contest tight, with a jumper by Kluxdal bringing the home team back into contention. However, the Vikings closed the quarter with a narrow 17-14 lead.

Northwestern began the second quarter by swiftly overturning a deficit and establishing control. Wobig's layup at 9:33 gave the team an 18–17 lead, a momentum shift bolstered by Margo Schuiteman and Piercy's steals. Piercy and Kylie Foss powered the offense with a series of successful layups and a 3-pointer from Wobig, extending the lead to 23–17. Midway through the quarter, the Raiders continued to capitalize on their momentum, with Piercy's 3-pointer and additional scoring from the paint. The team's defensive rebounds stifled the Vikings' attempts to close the gap. Northwestern's lead grew to 13 points, as Piercy converted a crucial layup and free throw at 2:19, pushing the score to 36–23. The quarter concluded with the Raiders maintaining their strong offensive presence. Wobig's jumper and a final layup at the buzzer further extended the lead. The quarter ended with Northwestern ahead, 40–29, after outscoring Grand View 26–12 in the second quarter. Wobig ended the first half with 16 points.

Northwestern opened the third quarter with strong inside play, highlighted by Schuiteman's layup at 9:26, assisted by Kluxdal, setting the tone for a consistent offensive performance. Despite the Vikings' attempts to close the gap, Northwestern maintained momentum with key contributions from Wobig and Ellie Karolevitz, extending the lead to 11 points at 7:58. As the quarter progressed, the Vikings responded with a series of successful shots, narrowing the margin. The Raiders' defensive efforts, including a steal by Piercy, were crucial in maintaining the lead. Kluxdal's layup at 0:58 helped secure their position, concluding the quarter with a 58–56 lead.

Northwestern began the fourth quarter with a strong offensive performance, highlighted by Schuiteman's layup assisted by Wobig within the first minute, extending the lead to 60–56. Kluxdal added a key 3-pointer at 8:21, widening the gap to 63–57. The Raiders maintained their momentum with effective scoring in the paint, exemplified by Aubrey Metzger's layup at 6:34, bringing the score to 65–57. The Vikings responded with a 3-pointer at 3:39, narrowing the score to 68–66. However, the Raiders kept their composure, with Piercy connecting on a 3-pointer at 4:31 to restore a 68–62 advantage. The home team capitalized on free throws and timely baskets, including a crucial reverse layup by Foss at 1:25, making it 74–70. Northwestern closed the quarter by outscoring the Vikings 25–16, with a final push that included a series of free throws by Wobig and Kluxdal. The team's defensive stops and effective rebounding, particularly by Schuiteman and Wobig, ensured the 83–72 victory.

GAME NOTES

• Wobig led the team in scoring with 25 points
• The Raiders scored 50 points in the paint compared to Grand View's 18
• Northwestern outrebounded the Vikings 41-30
• The Raiders moved the ball well with 20 assists, led by Foss with 5
• Piercy had a carrer high 4 steals in the win

Up Next: the Red Raiders will travel to Crete next Staurday Nov. 15 for a GPAC matchup with Doane at 2 PM.

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