Trent Hilbrands scored a game-high 23 points in leading Northwestern to its fourth straight win, a 79-69 home victory over Briar Cliff. Northwestern sweeps the season series against the Chargers and improves to 9-5 in the GPAC, 14-5 overall.
Hilbrands scored 15 of his 23 points from beyond the arc, converting 5-of-11 three-pointers; the senior also grabbed five rebounds and totaled three assists. All five starters scored in double figures for the balanced Raider offense.
With Northwestern leading by one at halftime (39-38), Briar Cliff scored the first five points of the second half on a basket by Quinten Vasa and three-pointer by Nick Hoyt to take its largest lead, 43-39. Tied moments later at 46, a deep three-pointer by Jay Small began a 12-0 Northwestern run that put the hosts up in front for good. Hilbrands made two three-pointers and Alex Van Kalsbeek scored on a conventional three-point play during the run.
Briar Cliff closed the gap to six (62-56) with just over six minutes left but would not get any closer. Hilbrands drained his fifth and final three-pointer and Small also knocked down a trey as the Raiders built their lead back up to double digits.
Van Kalsbeek scored 16 points for the victors as the freshman missed just two shots, going 7-for-9 from the field. Isaac Heyer scored 12 points and Small netted all 11 of his points in the second half. Craig Sterk was the fifth Raider to net double figures with 10 and matched Small for team-high honors with six rebounds.
Northwestern shot 53% for the game, 40% (10/25) from beyond the arc; both teams went a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line. Head Coach Kris Korver’s squad held a 35-25 edge on the glass; the Raiders gave up just one offensive rebound to the Chargers.
Quinn Vesey led Briar Cliff with 22 points, knocking down six three-pointers. The Chargers shot 45% for the game, 38% (12/32) from the three-point line.
