Orange City, Iowa — The Northwestern College men’s basketball team will host the University of Jamestown this weekend with a berth to the GPAC Championship game at stake. Tip-off for Saturday’s conference semifinal is set for 3pm.
Both teams are recognized in the latest NAIA Coaches’ poll released earlier this week; Northwestern moved up to No.23 in the poll and has won 11 straight games, its longest win streak since 2016-17 (17 straight). They are 21-5 coming into Saturday, the fourth 20+ win season in the last five seasons and 15th under head coach Kris Korver. The Jimmies received votes in the latest poll and have won seven of their last nine game for a 19-7 record.
Northwestern swept the regular season series, winning 91-78 on Nov 18 in Jamestown, N.D. and again on Feb.10 by the score of 88-79 in Orange City. The Raiders have won four straight in the rivalry and lead the all-time series 13-7, dating back to the 1972-73 season.
Game One…Five players scored in double figures and Northwestern raced out to a 55-33 halftime lead in defeating Jamestown 91-78 in the first match-up. Alex Van Kalsbeek netted 23 points and Isaac Heyer drained five three-pointers en route to a 21-point effort. Northwestern shot 50% for the game compared to 45% by Jamestown, who was led by Mason Walters with 24 points.
Game Two…Northwestern used a pair of second half scoring runs to come from behind and defeat Jamestown in the second game, 88-79. Alex Van Kalsbeek scored a game-high 27 points and Trent Hilbrands and Isaac Heyer both scored 23 for the Raiders. Both teams shot 50% or better; Northwestern held a slight advantage (36-31) on the boards. Marc Kjos led Jamestown with 20 points and Mason Walters contributed a double-double (16pts, 10 rebounds).
