Northwestern College led by as many as 13 points early in the first half. The Vikings remained in the fight and cut the lead to just seven points at halftime, trailing 35-28. Led by junior guard Daniel Hanson’s (Plymouth, Minn./Maranatha Academy) ten first half points on 4-of-4 shooting, the Eagles countered the great offensive efforts by Bethany Lutheran standout Mayfield.
After trading baskets to start the second half, the Vikings hit some key three-point field goals and capitalized on a stretch of Northwestern turnovers to tie the game 42-42 at the 13 minute mark. Over the next six minutes, the Eagles strung together an impressive 16-to-2 run and led 58-44 with just over six minutes left to play in the affair. From there, the closest Bethany Lutheran would reach would be five points at 62-57 in the final minute as Northwestern hung on to preserve the 69-59 triumph.
Northwestern finished with four players in double figures for points, led by Hanson’s 16 points on 7-of-10 (70.0%) shooting from the floor. Steve Discher (Andover, Minn.) added 15 points, making 10-of-11 from the charity stripe. Josh Strelecki (Crystal Falls, Mich./Forest Park) recorded 11 points, netting two three-point shots. Mike Anderstrom (Woodbury, Minn./New Life Academy) recorded his fourth double-double of the season on 10 points and 10 rebounds. Dave Zuleger (Wausau, Wis./Wausau West) added 9 points, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds. Zuleger’s 6 rebounds set a new career high.
Northwestern will travel to Martin Luther College (Minn.) to play the Knights on Saturday, February 17 at 5 p.m. The Eagles need to win one just one of their next two games to earn the right to host the UMAC conference tournament on February 23 & 24.
Northwestern College vs Bethany 02/15/07 7:30 pm at Mankato, MN At Mankato, MN NORTHWESTERN COLLEGE 69, BETHANY 59 NORTHWESTERN COLLEGE (18-5 (10-2)) Hanson, Daniel 7-10 0-0 16; Discher, Steve 2-9 10-11 15; Strelecki, Josh 4-13 1-4 11; Anderstrom, Mike 3-8 3-4 10; Zuleger, Dave 3-6 2-2 9; Gonsior, Chris 3-5 0-0 6; Krehbiel, Josh 1-1 0-0 2; Berens, Reid 0-4 0-0 0; Lecheler, James 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 23-57 16-21 69. BETHANY (13-10 (10-3)) Alfonso Mayfield 12-23 4-5 33; Jon Monson 3-5 3-6 9; Jeff Zimmerman 3-8 0-0 8; Joe McFarland 2-7 0-0 4; Dewan Grant 0-11 3-4 3; Amun Bordain 1-2 0-0 2; Frederick, Stephone 0-3 0-0 0; Mike Rosin 0-1 0-0 0; Balzum, Brady 0-2 0-0 0; Jimmy Tarcon 0-0 0-0 0; Tommy Saffert 0-1 0-0 0; Travis Priem 0-6 0-0 0. Totals 21-69 10-15 59. Northwestern College.......... 35 34 - 69 Bethany....................... 28 31 - 59 3-point goals-Northwestern College 7-15 (Strelecki, Josh 2-5; Hanson, Daniel 2-3; Anderstrom, Mike 1-1; Discher, Steve 1-4; Zuleger, Dave 1-1; Berens, Reid 0-1), Bethany 7-29 (Alfonso Mayfield 5-9; Jeff Zimmerman 2-7; Dewan Grant 0-7; Mike Rosin 0-1; Tommy Saffert 0-1; Travis Priem 0-3; Jon Monson 0-1). Fouled out--Northwestern College-Hanson, Daniel, Bethany-Alfonso Mayfield. Rebounds-Northwestern College 44 (Anderstrom, Mike 10), Bethany 43 (Jon Monson 12). Assists-Northwestern College 20 (Anderstrom, Mike 7), Bethany 12 (Alfonso Mayfield 3; Dewan Grant 3). Total fouls-Northwestern College 14, Bethany 16. A-520