Northwest U. Edges Montana Tech
KIRKLAND, Wash. - The NU Eagles came back from a six point deficit with 6 minutes to go in the game to grind out a 64-59 win over Montana Tech tonight in non-conference play in the Pavilion.
After the Eagles took a 33-25 lead at the half, the Orediggers scored the first 8 points of the second half to tie the game at 33. With the score knotted up at 34 a piece, Northwest U. would go on a 6-2 run to pull ahead, 40-36, capped off by a Blake Solomon jumper. Tech would then go on a 5-0 run of their own to take a 41-40 lead on Dirk Anderson's shot. After two ties and two lead changes, the Orediggers would build a 51-45 lead with 6:43 left in the game. Back would come the Eagles on a 6-0 run on two free throws by Greg Peters, a Skillman jumper after a Blake Solomon steal and a lay-up by the sophomore Skillman.
NU's Stedman Richardson would put the Eagles ahead for good after making one of two free throws (52-21). The Eagles would lead 58-51 with 54 seconds to go, but 3 for 7 shooting from the charity stripe would allow Tech to pull to within 2 (60-58) with 10 seconds to go. With NU up by 3 points (62-59) with 10 seconds to go, Tyson Christie would clinch the victory with his two free throws.
Northwest U. (1-0) was led by Blake Solomon with 19 points and 4 steals. Rich Skillman added 11 points and Tyson Christie dropped in 10 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Junior Greg Peters grabbed 8 rebounds and went 4 for 4 from the free-throw line. The Eagles shot 35% from 2-point FG range on 18 for 55 shooting, 27% from beyond the 3-point arc and 64% from the free throw line. NU out rebounded Montana Tech 37-33.
Tech's Dean Colbray and Brian Davison each scored 18 points for the Orediggers (1-1) who shot 43% from 2-point range. Tech shot 37% from 3-point range and 38.9% from the free throw line (7 for 18).
The Eagles head to Portland on Tuesday November 3 for another non-conference game with Portland Bible. Game time is slated for 7:05 pm.