ST. PAUL – The new-look University of Northwestern men's basketball team opened its season inside historic Hutton Arena against the red-hot Hamline University Pipers Wednesday night. The Eagles – who graduated all five starters from last year's squad – fell, 102-76, to a Hamline bunch that returns its starting five from last year's MIAC playoff team.  

The host Pipers were hot early, shooting a blistering 75 percent from the field in the opening frame. They finished hitting 66.7 percent of their shots and 58.3 percent from long range. UNW – which played a strong second half – ended the opener hitting 41.8 percent from the floor and 42.9 percent from deep.

Tanner Youngberg (Pocahontas, Iowa/Pocahontas Area) and Taylor Slagter (Roseland, Minn./CMCS) paced a balanced attack, as both poured in 12 points. Brady Bellefeuille (Frazee, Minn./Frazee) netted 11 points, while Jacob Gervais (Cottage Grove, Minn./Homeschool) was the fourth Eagle in double figures, as he dropped in 10 points. All four of the Eagles in double figures hit a pair of triples. Isaiah Rahier (Northome, Minn./Northome) grabbed a team-high five boards and dished out three assists, while not committing a turnover.

The Eagles will welcome Dubuque Friday in their home opener inside the Ericksen Center. Tip-off on day one of the ACR Tip-Off Tourney is set for 7:30 p.m. Fans can find more information at www.unweagles.com.