The Northwestern College men’s basketball team pulled away in the second half to earn an 84-70 win over Viterbo in the season-opener for both teams played tonight at the Pizza Ranch Classic.
Alex Van Kalsbeek impressed in his collegiate debut, scoring a game-high 20 points to go with eight rebounds. The freshman missed two shots from the field in 24-minutes of court time. Keegan Van Egdom was the only other Raider to net double figures, draining 4-of-7 three-pointers en route to a 14-point effort.
A total of 10 lead changes and three ties highlighted a first half that resulted in a slim 34-33 Northwestern lead. Both teams shot around the 40% mark and struggled from the perimeter with Northwestern going 6/20 (30%) and the Viterbo 2/9 (22%).
Northwestern went on a 10-4 run early in the second half for its first double-digit lead, 52-40, as Jay Small knocked down a three-pointer. Later, the Raiders outscored Viterbo 10-2, capped by another three-pointer by Van Egdom (66-47) with seven minutes left. Northwestern extended its lead out to as much as 22 during the final moments.
Head Coach Kris Korver’s squad shot 53% for the game, 31% (11/35) from the three-point line. Northwestern held a slight edge, 36-31, on the glass, led by Van Kalsbeek with eight and Small with nine. Trent Hilbrands dished out five assists.
Viterbo (0-1) was led by Jack Monis and Brady Polk with 18 points each.
