NU's Michael Russo led all scorers with 27 points Blue Angels Down Eagles in Opener 10/15/2013 10:23:34 PM KIRKLAND, Wash. – The Northwest University Eagles opened their 2013-14 season with a high scoring exhibition loss to the Another Level Blue Angels, 109-98, tonight in the NU Pavilion. Northwest held the lead for most of the first half as they led 21-15 after 12 minutes of play. Freshman Dak Shagren hit a three pointer with 8:31 to go in the half to give the Eagles 27-21 lead. But the experienced Blue Angels would not go away and began cutting into NU’s led. Nate Shekeryk hit a jumper to make it 29-27 with under five minutes to go. A Michael Russo three pointer would put NU up 34-29 at the 4:19 mark but a 4-0 Blue Angel run would make it 34-33 (3:04). With 38-35 with 2:10 on the clock, Lucas Henne would score in the paint and Brandan Larrieu would also get to the rim to give the Blue Angels their first lead of the game, 39-38, with 1:46 left in the half. Two free throws by NU’s Michael Greene with 6 seconds to go would give the Eagles a slim, 45-44 lead at the break. The Blue Angels would start the second half with a 9-2 as their shooting heated up as well as their rebounding. Paul Richards driving lay-up would give Another Level a 55-47 lead at the 17:40 mark and they would hold the lead the remainder of the game. The would lead by as many as 11 three times in the half as Northwest’s shooting would cool from 43% in the first half to 36% in the second period. Leading the way for Northwest U. was Michael Russo with a game high 27 points. Newcomer C.J. Carter added 15; Ryan McIntosh chipped in 15 and Michael Greene contributed 14 in the loss. Senior Brett Skogstad scored 9 as NU shot 39% for the game, 37% from the 3-point line and hit 80% of their free-throws (24-30) The Blue Angels, comprised of former collegiate players, were led by former Seattle Pacific guard, Brandan Larrieu, who finished with a team high 20 points. Five other Angels scored in double figures: Morris Anderson (Western Wash.), Nate Shekeryk 17 points, Lucas Henne (Western Wash.) 16, Seth Johnson 16, and Jake Anderson (SPU) 11. The Blue Angels shot 59% for the game and hit 93% of their free-throws. They also held the edge in rebounding with a 46-35 edge over the Eagles. Northwest will host the Seattle Mountaineers in another exhibition match-up on Friday at home. Game time is slated for 7:30 p.m.