Sioux Falls at Northwestern

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Northwestern lost to 21st-ranked USF 74-73 this afternoon in the final game of the regular season for both teams. The loss dropped the Red Raiders to 9-9 in the GPAC, 14-14 overall while the Cougars improved to 13-5 in the conference, 22-8 overall.

A lay-up by Ben Miller gave NWC its largest lead of the afternoon, 66-58, with 7:30 left in regulation. USF battled back, however, and after back-to-back lay-ups by Thomas Frames and Matt Malloy, the Cougars were back in front, 68-67. Four straight points by Ryan Hoogeveen put the Raiders back on top, 71-68, but Ronnell Grant converted a three-point play followed by a basket by Frames gave USF back the lead for good, 73-71, with under two minutes to play. Both teams failed to convert offensively on their next possessions, and with Northwestern forced to foul, Frames made 1-of-2 free throws to give his team a 74-71 advantage. A lay-up by Ben Miller with seven seconds left cut it to one and with the Raiders forced to foul, Frames missed both free throws, giving the ball back to NWC. After a time-out, Ben Miller missed a three-pointer as time expired and USF went to record the 74-73 win.

Northwestern shot 50% from the field (14/28), 55% from beyond the arc, and was led by Ben Miller who registered his second double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Walker Seim scored 16 of his 18 points in the first half while both Ryan Hoogeveen and Daniel Van Kalsbeek netted 12. The Raiders held a 32-25 advantage on the glass, led by Miller and Van Kalsbeek (7). Mike Vorwald dished out four assists.

USF was led by Matt Malloy who scored 29 points and Ronnell Grant added 16.

Coach Korver's squad will host 10th-seeded Mount Marty on Tuesday night at 7:00pm in the first round of the GPAC Tournament.