News Release

ST. PAUL, Minn — The Northwestern College men’s basketball team returned to the Ericksen Center on Thursday night and picked up an 81-45 victory over non-conference foe Crossroads College. With the win, the Eagles improve to 7-1 on the year, continuing to look impressive in 2005-2006. The Knights slipped to 2-5 for the season with the loss. Northwestern College remains perfect at home this year, now owning a 4-0 record in the Ericksen Center.

The Eagles wasted little time, sprinting out to an 11-0 lead just 3 minutes into the contest. Northwestern continued to own the upper-hand, putting together a 21-10 run to take a commanding 32-11 lead midway through the first half. The Eagles eventually found their way to the locker room at the halftime break, boasting a 44-22 advantage. Northwestern drilled 18-of-44 (40.9%) field goal attempts in the first twenty minutes of play, while Crossroads College connected on just 10-of-29 (34.5%) from the floor. The Eagles tallied assists on 13 of their 18 field goals.

In the second half, Northwestern did not let up, hanging a 20-12 run on the Knights to start the half in reaching a 64-34 lead. The Eagles continued to control the affair, owning as much as a 39-point advantage before completing the game in front 81-45.

Northwestern made 34-of-80 (42.5%) from the floor on the night, while Crossroads College was successful on 21-of-58 (34.5%) field goal attempts. The Eagles pulled down 47 rebounds compared to just 32 for the Knights. Points in the paint proved to be one-sided as Northwestern notched 44 in the lane, compared to only 24 for Crossroads. The Eagles’ bench also outscored the Knights’ reserves 33-0. Northwestern finished with 14 steals, marking the program most since a November 15, 2002, battle with North Central University.

Senior guard Joseph Sir (Cresco, Iowa/Crestwood HS) contributed a team-high 13 points for Northwestern in a very balanced attack. Mike Anderstrom (Mendota Heights, Minn./New Life Academy) totaled 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in an impressive double-double performance. Twelve Eagle players scored in the game.

For Crossroads College, Sidney Frye (Ypsilanti, Mich.) led their offensive production with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Joel Hardy (Faribault, Minn.) added 14 points and 4 assists, while Erik Karow (Zumbrota, Minn.) notched 8 points and 10 rebounds.

This was the first ever official meeting between Northwestern College and Crossroads College. Crossroads was formerly recognized as Minnesota Bible College. The Eagles were 11-0 all-time against Minnesota Bible College. Northwestern will take Friday off, pack their bags, and head to Decorah, Iowa, clashing with Luther College on Saturday, December 10, at 3 p.m.