Rich Skillman led NU with 13 points and 6 steals.
Northwest Just Gets By PLU to Remain Unbeaten
KIRKLAND, Wash. – Northwest University’s Tyler Mendezona put in a two footer with 2.7 seconds to go in the game to allow the Eagles to pull out a low scoring, 48-46, victory over a tough Pacific Lutheran team tonight in front of a packed NU Pavilion crowd. With the win, Northwest improves to 11-0 on the season.
PLU led Northwest from 9 minutes into the first half until the 9:54 mark in the second when the Eagles’ Rich Skillman hit a driving layup to tie the score at 39-all. After a miss by PLU's Cameron Reister, Nemanja Grujicic put in his offensive rebound to give NU their first lead since early in the first half, 41-39. Jordan would hit a short jumper from the left side after Skillman hit one of two free throws, to make it 44-39 with 7:25 to go. With NU up 46-41 at the 5:05 mark, Andrew Earnest would hit a 3-pointer for PLU to pull them to within two, 46-44. After a NU turnover, Kai Hoyt hit a driving layup to tie the score at 46. Neither team would score on the next four possessions setting up the final play. Skillman's shot missed the mark with 4 seconds to go, but he followed his shot and tipped the rebound to Mendezona who hit the game winner with 2.7 seconds to go. After a PLU time out, the Lutes got the ball into Kai Hoyt who's 20 foot three point attempt game off the rim as the buzzer sounded. The game was a physical contest played with only two officials.
Northwest U. (11-0, 1-0 CCC) was led by Rich Skillman's 13 points, 4 assists and 6 steals. Jordan Call scored 10 points before fouling out and Ahmaad Cook added 8 points. NU out rebounded PLU 36-31, but had one of their poorest shooting nights of the year making 36% of their shots and only 18% (4-22) of their 3-point attempts.
Pacific Lutheran (4-3) was led by senior James Conti who scored 10 points while Andrew Earnest contributed 8 points for the Lutes who shot 33% on the night and 36% from the 3-point line.
"We're happy to come out with the close win," commented John van Dyke, Eagle head coach. "I was proud of the way our team fought through a little adversity tonight and didn't quit. Credit goes to Tyler (Mendezona) for coming up with the big shot at the end to give us the victory. Now our guys can focus on and prepare for final exams and we head into conference play the following week."
Northwest resumes play on Dec. 19 and 20, on the road when they take on Northwest Christian and Corban University in Eugene and Salem, Oregon.