Men’s games
After a win at Dordt, Northwestern’s men’s basketball team traveled to nationally-ranked Briar Cliff in Sioux City in a high-scoring GPAC match on Jan. 27. With Briar Cliff on a hot streak—winning 17 games in a row—the Red Raiders were in for a battle that would last until the final moments of the game.
Five NW players were able to score in the double digits including senior Bryce Moss, sophomore Nathan Wedel, junior Jordan Baker, senior Taylor Francis and sophomore Colton Kooima. Their efforts were not enough, however, as the Red Raiders fell to Briar Cliff 99-91 and the Briar Cliff Chargers extended their winning streak to 18.
NW looked to bounce back from the tough loss at Briar Cliff when they headed to Lincoln, Nebraska, to take on Nebraska Wesleyan on Jan. 30. Behind a career-high 29 points from Wedel, the Red Raiders were able to put up a solid 84 points. Despite the valiant effort, NW fell in their second straight game by a score of 90-84.
The Red Raiders look to rebound from their rough road trip when they face Hastings at home on Feb. 6.
Women’s games
The Red Raiders women’s team looked to rebound from their two-game skid at home when they traveled with the men to Briar Cliff. With the Chargers being nationally ranked, NW was looking to start a winning streak that would propel them to the playoffs. The Red Raiders were led in scoring by sophomore Renee Maneman and senior Arianne Gesell, who both had 15 points. After a strong first three quarters, the Red Raiders were unable to finish it out as the Chargers won 70-66.
Three days later, the NW women traveled down to Lincoln to face Nebraska Wesleyan. While the Prairie Wolves have had a rough GPAC season, the Red Raiders were looking to continue a strong showing in the GPAC.
Behind freshman Kassidy De Jong’s 27 points and 17 rebounds and a career-high 15 points from sophomore Paige Danner, the Red Raiders were able to beat Nebraska Wesleyan 77-54 and score their 13th win of the season.
NW looks to continue their winning streak when they face the Hastings College Broncos on Feb. 6.
