EUGENE, Ore. – The Northwest Christian University men’s basketball team sailed to a 103-50 victory over Northwest Indian College on Thursday night in the early season opener for both squads. A few school records were toppled in the process.
NCU played stifling defense on Thursday, holding the Eagles to a school-record 12 points in the first half. For the game, NIC shot 15.6% from the field and turned the ball over 27 times. 17 times the ball was stolen by the Beacons, also establishing a new single-game benchmark. Also broken was the single-game rebounding record as the Beacons pulled down 57 off the glass including an impressive haul of 19 offensive boards.
The Eagles were held to just one field goal over the first 13 minutes of the game as the Beacons built a 31-3 lead and never looked back.
The team effort on the defensive effort was matched by a collective 48% shooting night on offense that saw five different players in double-figures. The NCU bench scored 49 points.
Northwest Christian was led by Javonte Byrd (pictured), scoring 21 points as he launched his senior season on a strong note with three triples. Freshman point guard Kenny Blackwell made his debut with 18 points, adding four assists and five steals. Coming off the bench, Jay Mayernik collected a double-double with 12 points and ten boards while Jordan Alexander and Austin Tyner also had 12 points. Remi White led all players with 12 rebounds including eight offensive boards.
Northwest Indian was led by Mike Schjang, scoring 15 points and six rebounds before fouling out. William Stensgar added eight points off the bench and Kacy Green scored seven.
The same two teams will do battle again on Saturday in the back-end of the home opening weekend at 11 am.