March 15, 2008

Point Lookout, Mo. - For the second straight year and sixth time in their storied history, fifth-seed Northwestern will head to the Final Four. The Red Raiders blitzed 13^th-seed Northwood (Fla.), 96-70, in the Elite Eight and will play top-seed Bellevue (Neb.) in the semifinals. The 17^th-annual event is being held at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of the College of the Ozarks (Mo.). 

The Red Raiders trailed early, 7-2, but scored the next 12 points to take the lead for good with 12 minutes to play. Northwestern forward Curt Schilling sparked another Red Raider run later in the half with a trio of three pointers to help his team take a 38-21 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Northwood scored the opening basket of the second half to cut it to 15 but it was all Northwestern from there. The Red Raiders shot 72% in the second half (18/25) as they built the lead up to as much 33 points.

Six players scored in double figures for Northwestern, led by Curt Schilling with 20. Schilling shot 8-of-14 from the field and also earned his first tournament double-double with 12 rebounds. Mark DeYounge came off the bench to score 14 points and Chad Schuiteman recorded his third straight double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds. He now stands second all-time in tournament history with 125 rebounds.

Northwood was led by Brad Haugabrook with 17 points. Marvin Owens closed his career with 16 points and eight rebounds. Junior Seven Ezumba, who came into the game  averaging 19 points and 15 rebounds in two tournament games, was held scoreless and fouled out with five minutes to play. Northwood closes their season with a 27-8 overall record.

Northwestern, now 30-4, will play top-seed Bellevue in the first semifinal game on Monday, March 17. Tipoff will be at 6:00 pm.  The 32-team, single-elimination tournament concludes on Tuesday, March 18.