Eagles Pass Gut Check vs. TRU
SALEM, Ore. – Northwest passed a gut check with a 70-66 win over Thompson Rivers Saturday to move to 2-0 on the season.
The Eagles led by as many as 11 points in the game, but Thompson Rivers took a 59-58 lead with 2:41 left in the game.
Cesar Sandoval buried a momentum-altering three-pointer for a 61-59 NU lead on the next possession and Hussayn Ford got a steal and scored with an assist from Sandoval to get a two-possession lead, 63-59, with 1:36 to play.
Ryan Ricks blocked a shot and TRU turned the ball over. Sandoval added a layup for a 65-59 edge.
The Wolfpack fought back to within 68-66, but Dejwan Walker buried two clutch free throws with six seconds left to seal the Eagle victory.
“We let the lead slip away but executed down the stretch,” said NU Head Coach Jeff Drinkwine. “There were signs of growth. We maintained our composure and were able to make our free throws. Thompson Rivers is well-coached and has a strong team. You always need to play solid to have a chance to beat them. We were pleased with the effort by our guys. We still have many areas to grow as our journey continues.”
Ricks led NU in scoring with 15 points with Tanner Davis adding 14, Walker 12 and Ford 10. Ford produced his second double-double in as many games, securing 11 rebounds. Christian Hakilimali had a successful all-around effort with nine points, six rebounds and six assists, including the feed for Sandoval’s three-pointer.
Now 2-0, the Eagles next play in the Northwest Classic Nov. 8-9 against Northwest Indian and Salish Kootenai.