Hastings, Nebraska — A tremendous second half propelled the Northwestern College men’s basketball team to an 88-70 road win against Hastings in a conference match-up played Saturday afternoon in Hastings, Neb.
The Raiders extend their win streak to a season-high five games; they have won seven of their last eight, and move up to fifth in the tight GPAC standings with a 10-5 record. They are 15-5 overall and won both games against the Broncos this season.
Both teams shot lights out in a high scoring first half that ended with Northwestern holding a slight 49-47 advantage. The Raiders shot 70% from both the field and from the three-point line in the first 20 minutes while the Broncos shot 62%.
Northwestern began the second half with a 10-2 run, finished off with a three-point play by Alex Van Kalsbeek, to push its lead to 10 at the 17-minute mark. Another 9-2 surge gave the Raiders a 17-point lead moments later and the teams then traded baskets over the next five-six minutes.
Four straight points by Craig Sterk and a jumper from Van Kalsbeek gave Northwestern its first 20-point lead, 82-61, with five minutes left. In total, the Raiders outscored Hastings 39-23 in the second half.
Van Kalsbeek and Sterk scored 24 points each, followed closely by Isaac Heyer, who netted all 17 of his points in the first half. Heyer matched his career-high with five three-pointers. Northwestern continued its remarkable efficiency on offense, shooting 61% for the game, while holding Hastings to just 28% field goal percentage in the second half. The Broncos were 0-for-8 from the three-point line during the final 20 minutes.
Hastings was led by Mason Hiemstra with 23 points; the Broncos were outrebounded 38-21 for the game.
