NEW ULM, Minn. – The University of Northwestern men's basketball team hit the road to take on Martin Luther College in Saturday afternoon UMAC action. After a back-and-forth first half, the Eagles shot 49% from the field in second half play to secure a 79-73 win.
 
Northwestern improves to 5-4 on the year and 2-0 in the UMAC. Martin Luther falls to 1-4 this season (0-2 in league play). The win marked the Eagles 24th straight over the Knights.
 
After trailing for the majority of Saturday's opening 10 minutes, UNW went up by as much as six following a three-pointer from Caleb Waldeck (Santa Clarita, Calif./Hart) and layup by Noah Alm (Forest Lake, Minn./Forest Lake). Northwestern would hang on to the first half lead until MLC connected on a jumper with under 30 seconds remaining, sending the teams into the locker room all tied up at 31 apiece.
 
It was Martin Luther who would take the lead once again in second half action, before the Eagles would take it back for good on a three-pointer from Michael Moore (Twinsburg, Ohio/Twinsburg) with 6:47 on the clock. Well-balanced scoring featuring five UNW players in double-figures would help seal the win.
 
Noah Alm (Forest Lake, Minn./Forest Lake) led the Eagle offense with 20 points, knocking down three, three-pointers and five of six free throw attempts. Tanner Youngberg (Pocahontas, Iowa/Pocahontas Area) and Solomon Bach (Watertown, S.D./Watertown) both recorded double-doubles on the day as Youngberg picked up 13 points and 16 rebounds (including seven offensive), while Bach added 15 points, 12 boards.
 
Michael Moore (Twinsburg, Ohio/Twinsburg) tacked on 13 points and Kyle Kaemingk (Woodbury, Minn./New Life Academy) recorded 11. UNW's 13 offensive rebounds and second chance points was a difference-maker in the contest.
 
Northwestern will return to action on Wednesday, Dec. 11 when they travel to Mankato, Minn. to take on Bethany Lutheran College. Tipoff is slated for 5:30 p.m. against the Vikings – who were picked to finish first in the UMAC Preseason Coaches' poll. Follow the Eagles online all season long at www.unweagles.com or on Twitter and Instagram at @unwmbb.