Northwestern College defeated Minot State (N.D.) 97-90 in the first round of the 2008 NAIA D-II National Tournament in Point Lookout, Mo. The Red Raiders advance to the second round for the 11th time in their history and earn their tournament best 26th win.
The Red Raiders started strong with an 8-0 run to grab an 8-2 lead. They pushed the lead up to 11, 30-19, with under seven minutes left in the first half before Minot State went on a 13-4 run to close the gap, 34-32. NWC led by just six, 40-34, at intermission.
The DAC Tournament champions tied the game at 42 early in the second half but NWC pulled ahead again, 53-47, with 15 minutes to go. The Red Raiders built the lead back to nine before another Minot State run put the Beavers within one, 71-70. Northwestern then scored the next 10 points and sealed the win with clutch free throw shooting down the stretch.
The Red Raiders shot 47% for the game compared to 37% by the Beavers. NWC made 36-43 free throws (84%) which helped seal the win. Chad Schuiteman led four players in double figures with 22 points. He recorded the double-double with 12 rebounds and also dished out six assists. Andrew Stimson scored 20 points, all in the second half, and Curt Schilling (18) and Ben Brown (career high 15 points) were also in double figures. NWC held a 45-42 advantage on the boards. Joe Gathings led Minot State with 23 points.
Coach Korver's squad will next play on Friday, March 14, at 1:45 pm against unseeded Oklahoma Wesleyan, who upset #12 William Penn (Iowa), 75-73. The game can be heard over via the NWC webcast.
NAIA D-II Men's Basketball Tournament Website
2007-08 Media guide
