MANKATO, Minn. – The University of Northwestern men's basketball team grabbed its eighth straight win in a UMAC match-up at Bethany Lutheran Thursday evening. The Eagles, who trailed by 10 at the half, scored 62 points and shot 62% from the field in the final 20 minutes to take down the Vikings and secure the number one spot in the conference standings. Sophomore guard Noah Alm (Forest Lake, Minn./Forest Lake) poured in 41 points, tying the Northwestern game-high record, to lead the Eagles to a 105-101 final victory.
 
The game, which was tabbed the UMAC's 'Game of the Week' did not disappoint. In a first half that showcased multiple lead changes, the Vikings put together a late run to go up by 10 at intermission. The Eagles didn't wait to make their comeback – cutting the Vikings' lead to three just two minutes into the half.
 
Northwestern's run was propelled by dominant play from UNW's veteran guard, Anderson Bazile Jr. (Houston, Tex./San Antonio Reagan), who scored five quick points to get things rolling. The momentum continued to build, fueled by four three-pointers in under two minutes of play (from Bazile Jr., Brady Peterson (Princeton, Minn./Homeschool) and Noah Alm (Forest Lake, Minn./Forest Lake)).
 
Alm heated up – draining eight of 10 shots from the field in the second half alone and 10 of 11 free-throw attempts. The sophomore ended the night with a career-high, 41 points in 26 minutes played. Alm tied Northwestern's school record, set in 2006 by Steve Discher.
 
In keeping with tradition, three additional UNW players finished with double-digit point totals. Anderson Bazile Jr. (Houston, Tex./San Antonio Reagan) put together a solid night, scoring 15 points on six of nine shooting. Caleb Hageman (Charles City, Iowa/Charles City) added 13 points and pulled down seven boards, while Johnny Erickson (Minneapolis, Minn./Hope Academy) recorded 11.
 
Northwestern put an end to the Vikings 12-game winning streak with tonight's victory. Bethany's previous loss also came against UNW (on Dec. 5 of this season).
 
The Eagles improve to 14-6 overall, 10-1 in the UMAC, while the Vikings fall to 15-6, 10-2 in conference play.
 
Northwestern will return to action on Saturday, Feb. 2 when they welcome Northland to the Ericksen Center for Hoops Hysteria. The Lumberjacks enter the match-up at 8-12 on the year. Tip-off is slated for 4:45 p.m with the Northwestern men's basketball alumni game to follow.
 
For all things Northwestern men's hoops, follow along at www.unweagles.com.