Eagles nip Northland, 54-49

Box Score

ST. PAUL (Feb. 13, 2009) – It didn't look pretty, but the Northwestern College men's basketball team got the job done in a 54-49 win over Northland College on Friday night. It took almost all 40 minutes, but Brian Lecheler (Abbotsford, Wis./Abbotsford) (Abbotsford, Wis./Abbotsford) and the Eagles took the lead in the final two minutes and held on for the victory to preserve their first place status in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) standings.

Northland was the team that looked as if it was defending a UMAC championship, racing out to a 16-3 lead in the game's initial seven minutes. Northwestern, who cut the Lumberjacks' lead to four points at the six minute mark, went on a 10-0 run as the first half wound down, rallying to lead 29-28 at halftime.

Things didn't get much prettier in the second 20 minutes, as both teams made a combined one of 13 attempts from behind the three-point arc. Neither team was able to lead by more than three points throughout a majority of the second half until a layup by Max Lesatz put Northland up by four with 6:17 to play in the game. The Jacks went on a scoring drought towards the end of the game though, going without a field goal in the final six minutes as NWC went on a 12-3 run to win 54-49.

Northland, who played a full-court press defense most of the game, forced the Eagles into 20 turnovers – their highest number of mistakes in a UMAC game this season. The Lumberjacks weren't able to capitalize though, as they committed 21 errors of their own.

Northwestern made 40 percent of its attempts on the night, besting Northland's 36 percent performance. The Eagles, who clearly held an edge in the rebounding category entering the game, were able to hold a one-board advantage over their opponents in the end.

Lecheler finished 8 of 12 for the game, leading NWC with 20 points. The sophomore made two of his three-point attempts while dishing out four assists and grabbing four steals. Reid Berens (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial) (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial) added 10 points in Northwestern's win. Three Eagles tallied seven rebounds in the game, including Berens.

Ryan Cannata was Northland's (4-18, 2-9 UMAC) leader, scoring 13 points.

Northwestern, who claimed its 11th victory in the last 12 opportunities, improves to 17-5 overall and 9-2 in UMAC play. The Eagles will have to play better in tomorrow's bout with the College of St. Scholastica, as the two teams are separated by a mere game in the conference standings. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. in the Ericksen Center.

Print Friendly Version

University of Northwestern Athletics

Slideshow

Eagles nip Northland, 54-49