Roseville, Minn. –– The University of Northwestern Eagles (2-2) defeated the Lakeland University Muskies (0-4), 77-69, on Saturday afternoon.

The Muskies jumped to an early 4-0 lead and kept the lead throughout the first quarter. They carried a 22-13 lead into the first quarter break. The second quarter was a completely different story, though. The Eagles limited the Muskies to a total of four points, and they scored both baskets in the first 2:40 of the quarter. Rylie Hirschey (Pine River, Minn./Pine River Backus) scored eight points in the quarter to help propel the Eagle offense to the halftime lead. Hirschey's three with 2:39 left gave Northwestern a 27-26 lead, which they would never relinquish. The Eagles kept expanding the lead and were winning 35-26 at halftime.

River Landers (Grand Meadow, Minn./Grand Meadow) added two layups in the paint to give the Eagles a 13-point lead before the Muskies finally got back on the board for the first time in over ten minutes of game time. They cut the lead to six with 6:13 to go before Lexi Hagen (Jordan, Minn./Jordan), Livvy Grosz (New Brighton, Minn./St. Anthony), and Hirschey extended it back out to 12. Northwestern took a 49-42 lead into the fourth quarter before Allison Terry (Blaine, Minn./Blaine) hit a three eleven seconds in to make it 52-42. The Eagles kept about a ten-point lead until 2:06 remaining in the game. The Muskies managed to keep the game interesting through the end as they cut the lead to five with 39 seconds left. Hirschey hit six free throws in those final 39 seconds, while Hagen and Taylor Schuck (Maple Grove, Minn./Heritage Christian Academy) added two of their own. The Eagles hit 14 of their last 15 free throws to ensure they did not lose the contest.

Hirschey (26), Hagen (13), and Terry (12) all ended the contest in double figures as Hagen also added nine rebounds on the game. 

Up Next
After Thanksgiving Break and an extended layoff, the Eagles will travel to Hancock, Michigan to take on Maranatha Bible University on Friday, December 2nd. First tip is scheduled for 2:00 pm ET.