Eagles Fly High Past Lutes
PARKLAND, Wash. - No. 20 Northwest University built a 14 point halftime lead as they would go on to a 72-38 victory over Pacific Lutheran to post their ninth win of the season.
Leading 8-7 six minutes into the first half, NU would go on a 11-2 run to take a 19-9 lead after a Ryan McIntosh jumper and Nemanja Grujicic’s offensive rebound and put back. PLU would get back into the game and pull to within 8 points, 26-18 with 2:15 to go in the period, but Northwest would score the final 8 points of the half capped off by two Michael Russo free throws to take a 32-18 lead into the locker room.
In the second half, NU would lead 32-22 at the 17:50 mark, but would then go on a 28-9 run to build their lead to 29 points with 8:22 remaining in the game as Ryan Dornik would hit two straight 3 pointers at the end of the run. A trey by Michael Russo and two more by Dornik would grow the lead to 31, 69-38 at the 4:20 mark. PLU would fail to score the final 4:20 of the game as the Eagles would cruise to their ninth win. The NU defense would limit the Lutes to 26% shooting (6-23) in the second half.
Leading the way for Northwest U. (9-2) was Michael Russo who finished with 20 points. Ryan Dornik dropped in 17 points, hitting 5 of his 9 three point attempts. Michael Greene contributed 16 points and grabbed 6 rebounds for the Eagles who shot 56% for the game, 67% in the second half (14-21). Northwest out rebounded PLU 36-22.
Pacific Lutheran (1-5) was led by Johnny Tveter’s 12 points while Cameron Schilling scored 8 points and had 5 rebounds. The Lutes shot 29% for the game and hit 43% of their 3 point attempts (5 for 8).
Coach John Van Dyke said, “It was one of our most complete games of the season tonight. We’ve worked on defense quite a bit this week in practice and it was nice to see the hard work pay off in the game. The guys gave a team effort in all aspects of the game.”
Northwest U. will open CCC play this Saturday when they travel to Olympia to play Evergreen at 7:30 p.m.