March 8, 2007

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. - #11 Northwestern College (Iowa) defeated Albertson College (Idaho), 99-77, in the first round of the 16th Annual NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship. The 2007 event is being held at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of College of the Ozarks (Mo.).

After an early deficit in the opening minutes, Northwestern took command with a 20-7 run and never trailed. The Red Raiders led by 20 after the first half and continued to build up the lead by as much as 29 in the second half.

Northwestern was led by Chad Schuiteman with 17 points and 10 rebounds and recorded his 19th double-double of the season. He also dished out five assists. Kale Wiertzema netted 12 points and Eric Kruger and Andrew Stimson added 11 each. Northwestern shot an incredible 60% from the floor and dominated the boards with a 42-26 advantage.

Albertson was led by Donnel Garner who came off the bench to score 15 points. Josh Owen added 12 for the Coyotes, including two three point baskets. Albertson shot just 27% from beyond the arc (7/26). The Coyotes, who finished fourth in the Cascade Collegiate Conference and received an at-large berth, end their season with a 19-8 record.

Northwestern, making their 12th trip to the national tournament, will play #6 Kansas Wesleyan in the second round on Friday, March 9 at 4:00 pm. The Raiders advance with a 24-8 overall record.

For more information on the NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship visit www.naia.org.