Northwestern at Sioux Falls

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The Red Raiders won their eighth consecutive game as they defeated USF, 86-76, in GPAC conference action in Sioux Falls, S.D. Northwestern, who moved up eight spots to eighth in this week's NAIA ratings, improves to 14-2 overall, 5-1 in the GPAC. The Cougars fall to 5-12 overall, 2-4 in the league.

Northwestern trailed by four at the half, 46-42, and then fell behind by 11 (55-44) with 15 minutes left to play in the second half. The Red Raiders, however, battled back with a 20-7 run which put them up 64-62. USF tied the score on their next possession but a pair of Curt Schilling free throws put NWC up for good, 66-64, with seven minutes remaining. Leading 79-76, Northwestern scored the final seven points of the game over the last two minutes to earn the road win.

The Red Raiders shot 49% for the game compared to 43% for USF, just 39% in the second half. Kale Wiertzema led three NWC players in double figures with 23 points while Curt Schilling added 15. Chad Schuiteman netted 14 points and grabbed team-high eight rebounds. Northwestern committed just 11 turnovers but were out-rebounded by the Cougars, 42-39.

Northwestern will next play host to Doane College on Saturday, Jan. 12, at 4:00 pm.