ST. PAUL - The University of Northwestern men's basketball team traveled south down Snelling Avenue Tuesday night and picked up its first win of the season, defeating Macalester College by a 66-55 score.

Excellent defense and a balanced scoring attack allowed the Eagles to open up a 34-19 lead at halftime. UNW forced 13 Macalester turnovers in the first 20 minutes, and only committed three of its own. The Scots were also held to 28% shooting in the first half.

The second half was much of the same, as Northwestern began the half with a 6-0 scoring run and maintained a double digit lead throughout, and led by as many as 21. The Eagles ultimately forced 19 Macalester turnovers, and outmatched the Scots in rebounding, bench points, fast break points, points in the paint, and shooting percentage.

Caleb Hageman (Charles City, Iowa/Charles City) and Isaiah Rahier (Northome, Minn./Northome), who made his first career start, paced the Eagles with 14 points apiece. Hageman also contributed six rebounds and five assists, while Rahier snared five rebounds himself. Jacob Gervais was the only other Eagle in double figures, producing 10 points. Sophomore Tanner Youngberg (Pocahontas, Iowa/Pocahontas Area) nearly earned his first career double-double, racking up eight points and 11 rebounds. Taylor Slagter (Roseland, Minn./CMCS) also scored eight points, while grabbing seven rebounds.

Northwestern will close up shop for the Thanksgiving holiday and will return to action on December 2nd in Menomonie, Wisconsin for a 1 PM matchup with UW-Stout. For more on the UNW men's basketball team, follow @unwmbb on Twitter.