March 13, 2008

Fifth seeded Northwestern College (Iowa) advanced to the second round of the 17th annual NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championships, defeating Minot State (N.D.), 97-90. The event is being held at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of the College of the Ozarks (Mo.).

 

The game featured two of the top scoring teams in the NAIA with both teams averaging over 80 points per game. Northwestern used a 12-0 run in the first half to surge ahead, 26-15, their biggest lead of the first half. Minot State cut the lead down to six by intermission.

The Beavers tied the game up at 42 early in the second half and were within one, 71-70, with just over six minutes to play. Northwestern then scored 10 straight points and made their free throws down the stretch to advance to the second round.

Four Northwestern players scored in double figures, led by Chad Schuiteman who recorded a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Andrew Stimson scored all 20 of his points in the second half and Curt Schilling added 18. The Red Raiders went 36/43 from the free throw line (84%), including 28/32 in the second half. It is the tournament-leading 26^th win in this their 13^th trip to the national championship.

Minot State was led by Joe Gathings and C.J. DeWitty with 23 and 21 points, respectively. Aaron Patterson added 17 in the loss. The Beavers finish their season with a 19-12 overall record.

Northwestern, now 28-4, will put their 11-game win streak on the line in the second round against either #12 William Penn or Oklahoma Wesleyan on Friday at 1:45 pm. The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 18.