ST. PAUL—  The University of Northwestern men's basketball held the 58-48 victory over Northland College Friday night. Continuing their perfect conference record, the Eagles continue to impress with their successful season.

Four minutes into the game, both teams were tied with four. Northland pulled ahead 11-6 at the 14:31 mark leading into a few minutes of unmade baskets for both teams. Michael Carney (Ames, Iowa/Des Moines Christian) brought the Eagle deficit up to only one with a layup in the ninth minute of play but later took the lead with a jumper. As both teams fought for the lead, Northland jumped back to a 15-14 improvement due to Harrison Lucas' layup. Four minutes of no shots made by either team put a halt to the game until Porter Morrell (Elk River, Minn./Home School)'s shot from downtown broke the ice. Kyle Ooms (Hollandale, MN/Albert Lea High School) fed off the Eagle momentum with a block just seconds later, leading to a Will Gisler (Stewartville, Minn./Stewartville) fast break, putting the Purple and Gold at a 19-15 gain. Cody Sprenger (Grey Eagle, Minn./Long Prairie-Grey Eagle) drained a shot from behind the arc, launching the Eagles to a six point lead. Michael Carney (Ames, Iowa/Des Moines Christian) half-time buzzer beater ended the period with a score of 28-19 as the Eagles led the LumberJacks by nine.

Hoping to extend their lead, UNW continued to add points to the board starting with Morrell's trey at 18:09. Thomas Shephard (Crystal, N.D./Valley-Edinburg)'s jumper launched them to a 15 point lead before Matt Watnemo (Moorhead, Minnesota/Moorhead High School)'s fouled layup added three more points. Continuing to capitalize on offense, the Eagles reached a comfortable 19 point lead with 12:49 to go. Making a slow comeback, LumberJacks' Dillon Riehle made a vital three for the away team, bringing the score to 51-44 with just over three minutes on the board. Struggling to keep the generous lead, Northwestern led by a mere nine points with 1:54 on the clock. Three Eagle points behind the charity stripe in the final minute ended the game at a final score of 58-48.

Porter Morrell (Elk River, Minn./Home School) led the pack with 14 points. Michael Carney (Ames, Iowa/Des Moines Christian) was close behind with 12 of his own while Will Gisler (Stewartville, Minn./Stewartville) put up an impressive 11 rebounds for the night. Northland's squad had zero players in the double digit club, as nine players put up points for the LumberJacks. 

Hoping to continue their undefeated conference streak, Northwestern (13-9, 11-0 UMAC) will host the College of St. Scholastica tomorrow night at 5 p.m.