Northwestern came out focused, racking up a 26-8 lead midway through the first half against North Central. The Eagles continued to dominate play and led by as much as 25 points before finishing the half with a 17-point advantage in a 42-25 score. Northwestern shot a sizzling 60.0% from the field in the first twenty minutes of play, sinking 18-of-30 field goal attempts and 4-of-7 from long range.
In the second half, North Central began chipping away at their deficit and trailed by just 7 points at 60-53 with 10:24 remaining in the contest. The Rams were able to draw within 4 points at 74-70 with just under 4 minutes left in the affair, but that would be their final threat as Northwestern held on for the 89-75 victory.
The Eagles finished the game connecting on 31-of-59 (52.5%) field goal attempts and owned a 46-36 advantage on the boards. Sophomore forward Daniel Hanson (Plymouth, Minn./Maranatha Christian Academy) was one of four Northwestern players to finish with double-figures for scoring. Hanson boasted a season-high 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, and also added 13 rebounds in a great double-double performance.
Joseph Sir (Cresco, Iowa/Crestwood HS) chipped in 18 points along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists, while Mike Anderstrom (Mendota Heights, Minn./New Life Academy) also produced a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds, making 7-of-10 from the floor with 4 assists and 3 blocks as well.
The Northwestern College men’s basketball team will enjoy a brief Christmas break and return to action on Friday, December 30, hosting Augsburg College at 7:30 p.m. in the Eagles’ final non-conference affair of the regular season.