Northwest Gets by VIU for First Win of the Season
KIRKLAND, Wash. – Northwest University opened their 2012-13 season just getting by Vancouver Island University, 77-71, tonight in a non-conference contest.
NU shot 39% from 2-point range, but were a cool 8 for 32 from beyond the 3-point line (25%). VIU did fare better shooting 47%, 27% from 3-point range and 75% from the free throw line.
The opening minutes of the first half was a sign of things to come as NU jumped out to an 8-4 lead despite shooting 2 of 10 from the floor. The Eagles would then heat up and go on a 9-5 run to increase their lead to 17-9 seven minutes into the half. Nick Crossan would hit two free throws and a trey to give NU a 30-20 lead with 7:06 to go until halftime. Two free throws by Ryan Dornik would give Northwest their largest lead of 14 points, 36-22, with 4:36 on the clock, but the Mariners and Brandon Jones would heat up and go on an 8-0 run to close to within 6 points, 36-30, as Jones would hit four of those eight points. Jones would then hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to end the half with NU leading, 40-33.
Vancouver Island would come out of the locker room and go on a 9-3 run to start the second half to make it a 43-42 ballgame just 1:40 into the period. A layup by Michael Russo would start a 10-2 run of the Eagles capped off by a post move in the paint by Michael Greene to make it 53-44 Northwest with 13:32 to go. VIU’s Brandon Jones would re-enter the game with 7:10 on the clock after having to sit for over 8 minutes with his 4th foul and lead a 12-4 run for VIU to make it a one point game 66-65 with 3 minutes to go in the game. Michael Russo would hit a crucial free throw and a big 3-pointer to give Northwest U. some room at 70-66 with 1:26 left in the game. The Eagles would hit 5 of 6 free throws down the stretch and Jeremy Paull would lay the ball in with 13 seconds to go to give NU their first win of the season.
Michael Russo would lead Northwest U. (1-0) with 31 points hitting 10 of 17 shots (59%) to lead the Eagles. Nick Crossan scored 15 points and junior Michael Greene scored 15 points and grabbed 9 rebounds before fouling out of the game. NU held the rebounding edge 38-36 and shot 64% from the free throw line.
Vancouver Island (5-3) was led by American Brandon Jones’ double-double of 24 points and 10 rebounds in 28 minutes of play. Clayton Billett scored 15 points and Tyler Olsen contributed 10 points and 7 rebounds for the Mariners from Nanaimo, B.C.
“I am looking forward to watch this team progress as the year unfolds,” commented Coach John Van Dyke of the Eagles. “We will just work on getting a little better every day. I was pleased how we kept our composure at the end of game and give credit to VIU as they played a great game.”
The two teams will be back at it on Tuesday at 3 p.m. in the NU Pavilion.