Northwestern edged Oklahoma Wesleyan in overtime, 86-85, to advance to the Elite Eight for the seventh time. The Red Raiders earned their 27th win at the national tournament and move on with a 29-4 record.
The Red Raiders broke open a 9-9 tie with a 10-3 run and extended the lead to 14, (32-18) with seven minutes remaining in the first half. Northwestern shot very well in the opening half, converting 7-of-16 three pointers en route to a 41-27 halftime advantage.
It was all NWC early in the second half as they were able extend the lead to 17, 62-45, with under nine minutes to play. Oklahoma Wesleyan erupted on a 16-1 run over three minutes to get back in it, 63-61. Northwestern built the lead back up to seven, 72-65, but once again, the Eagles fought their way back to tie it at 75. OWU guard Steve Briggs, the NAIA's second leading three point shooter, scored the final five points. Kale Wiertzema for NWC had a chance to win it but his short jumper rimmed out and sent the game into overtime.
The Eagles opened the extra period with a basket but the Red Raiders followed with seven straight points to take an 82-77 lead. OWU responded again and after another Briggs three pointer with 8.7 seconds left, the game was tied at 85. Chad Schuiteman, on the ensuing possession, was fouled and made 1-of-2 free throws to put NWC up, 86-85, with five seconds left. Oklahoma Wesleyan missed one last shot at the buzzer to win it and NWC moves onto the Elite Eight.
Northwestern was led by Chad Schuiteman who recorded another double-double with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Kale Wiertzema scored 17 and in the process surpassed the 1,000 point milestone in his career. Mark DeYounge added 15 points before fouling out. The Red Raiders shot 44% for the game and limited the Eagles to 42%.
The Red Raiders will play #13 Northwood in the Elite Eight tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 p.m.
2007-08 Media guide
