ST. PAUL – The University of Northwestern men's basketball team took the IIAC preseason favorite Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves down to the wire before falling, 78-67. The Eagles fall to 0-3 on the year, while NWU improves to 2-0.

The Eagles were hot out of the gates, using a 15-2 run early in the first half to build a 20-9 lead. The visitors put together a run of their own and took a 37-35 lead into the locker room. In a highly entertaining second half, the Eagles chipped away at an early second half deficit to pull within one with 3:23 to play thanks to an Isaiah Rahier (Northome, Minn./Northome) jumper, but NWU knocked down its free throws down the stretch to hang on for the 78-67 win.

Taylor Slagter (Roseland, Minn./CMCS) used three triples to lead a balanced scoring attack, as the sophomore poured in 15 points. Three others joined Slagter in double figures, as Tanner Youngberg (Pocahontas, Iowa/Pocahontas Area) posted 11 points, while Caleb Hageman (Charles City, Iowa/Charles City) and Isaiah Rahier (Northome, Minn./Northome) each chipped in 10. Youngberg and Slagter both grabbed seven boards and Youngberg dished out a game-high five assists.

Northwestern shot 40.3 percent from the floor, and 40 percent from long range, while going 11-for-14 (78.6 percent) at the charity stripe.  

The Eagles will make the short trip to Macalester Tuesday for their final contest before the Thanksgiving break. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. Fans can find more information at www.unweagles.com.