ST. PAUL, Minn - Northwestern hosted Trinity Christian College in the Ericksen Center in Saturday's game for the Eagle's first NCCAA National Tournament game against Trinity Christian College from Illinois. After a four win streak and winning the UMAC Tournament last week, UNW came ready to play.
 
The first half started with a layup from Kyle Kaemingk (Woodbury, Minn./New Life Academy) assisted by Owen Boerema (Litchfield, Minn./Litchfield). The men continued to fight as the Trolls gained momentum until halfway through the half. With 8:20 to go, a bucket from behind the arc by Caleb Hoilien (Minneapolis, Minn./Hope Academy) finally put the Eagles up one, 19-18. Field goals and free throws finished the half for Northwestern tying 31 with Trinity.
 
Northwestern played well with six points from the bench and 12 points in the paint. UNW was 100 percent from the free throw line in the first half.
 
With the stake of the last game on the line both teams came out with energy to finish the second half.
 
The second half points began with a free throw from Henry Fahnbulleh (Maple Grove, Minn./Maple Grove) and a jumper from Noah Alm (Forest Lake, Minn./Forest Lake), the Eagles starting strong. Both teams continued to fight with tough defense and great shooting. The Trolls gained the lead halfway into the second half leading by six points with 4:52 to go. Northwestern fought back, and with 40 seconds to go the Trolls were up 68-66. Trinity called a timeout with 31 seconds to go. Thirteen seconds left, the Trolls missed a three to secure the win, and the Eagles took advantage. Northwestern, still down 66-68, played great defense and Henry Fahnbulleh (Maple Grove, Minn./Maple Grove) drained a buzzer beater three winning the game for Northwestern 69-68.
 
Overall, UNW netted 78.6 percent of their free throws and 45.5 percent of their threes. Northwestern scored nine second chance points and secured three points off of Trinity turnovers.
 
UNW advances their way to Winona Lake, Indiana to play in the NCCAA National Tournament next week; date, time and rival to be announced.
 
For all things UNW men's basketball and for tournament info check out www.unweagles.com or follow them on Instagram and Twitter @unwmbb.