News Release

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Leading 38-26 at halftime, the Northwestern College men’s basketball team was unable to hold off Luther College in the second half on Saturday afternoon, losing 64-69 in non-conference action on the road. The loss drops the Eagles to 7-2 on the year, while the host Norse improved to 4-3 this season. Northwestern College had won their last 7 head-to-head battles with Luther College, dating back to the 1996-1997 campaign.

The Eagles quickly jumped out to an 11-2 lead just 4 minutes into the affair. Luther College was able to close within 2 points at 13-11 at the midway point of the first half. However, Northwestern strung together an 18-8 run and led by as many as 13 points in the first period before heading to the locker room in front by a 38-26 margin at halftime.

Luther College began the second half on a mission, owning a 22-13 run during the first 10 minute-stretch to take a 50-49 lead. The Eagles continued to battle their formidable opponent and took back the advantage at 62-61 with 2:34 left on the game clock. Unfortunately, that would be the last Northwestern lead as the Norse finished the match-up on an 8-2 run with a key three-point basket and free throws to seal their triumph.

Sophomore guard Josh Strelecki (Crystal Falls, Mich./Forest Park HS) contributed a team-high 15 points for the Eagles, sinking 6-of-9 from the floor and 3-of-5 from three-point range. Mike Anderstrom (Mendota Heights, Minn./New Life Academy) added 12 points on perfect 6-of-6 shooting, while sophomore guard Dave Zuleger (Wausau, Wis./Wausau West HS) tallied a career-high 11 points along with 5 assists.

Northwestern connected on 24-of-44 (54.5%) field goal attempts and 7-of-14 (50.0%) from three-point range. Their 54.5% field goal percentage marked a season high, but the Eagles’ 20 turnovers also tied a season high and proved to be costly in the loss. Luther College grabbed 13 offensive rebounds and owned a 27-20 advantage in total boards.

The Eagles will look to re-group and prepare for North Central University. Northwestern will travel to the cross-town rival Rams on Tuesday, December 13, for a 7:30 p.m. non-conference clash.