Northwestern at Sioux Falls

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A free throw by USF center Skyler Bloch with no time left gave the host Cougars an 85-84 win over Northwestern Wednesday night in Sioux Falls, S.D. The last-second loss dropped the Red Raiders to 5-3 in the GPAC, 10-8 overall. USF, ranked 13th in the last NAIA poll, improved to 7-2 in the GPAC, 15-5 overall.

Northwestern was in control early on and opened up a 17-6 lead behind a 7-0 run triggered by Ryan Hoogeveen and Walker Seim. The lead later turned into a 24-13 advantage with 10 minutes left in the first half until USF began to chip away and eventually tied the game at  38 with two minutes to go. The score was again tied at 40 at the half.  

With the score tied at 44, Sioux Falls outscored the Raiders 15-4 during a four minute stretch and eventually led by as much as 14 (71-57) with 10:29 left to go. USF still held a 77-64 advantage with under eight minutes to go when Northwestern stormed back courtesy of an 18-2 run and took an 82-79 lead after a lay-up by Daniel Van Kalsbeek. Northwestern held the host Cougars without a field goal for over seven minutes during the comeback. A three-point play by USF guard Matt Malloy tied the game at 82 and the two teams traded baskets to tie the score again at 84. Both teams missed on their chances to take the lead during the final minute and after a USF miss, Northwestern called a timeout with 22 seconds left. The Raiders missed a jumper with under three seconds left and in the ensuing action, Northwestern was whistled for a foul as time expired and put the sophomore Bloch at the free throw line where he made 1-of-2 to seal the win.

Northwestern shot 47% for the game compared to 38% by the Cougars. Daniel Van Kalsbeek tied for game-high honors with 27 points, going 9-for-13 from the field. Walker Seim netted 26, making four three-pointers. Ryan Hoogeveen scored 12 points, pulled down seven boards and dished out four assists for Coach Korver's squad.

Matt Malloy led USF with 27 points while Kelly Hubbard added 16 points and a game-high 18 rebounds.

Northwestern will play Dakota Wesleyan on Friday, Jan. 15 in Mitchell, S.D.