Electric. That is just one word that can be used to describe the feeling in the Bultman center last Wednesday when the Northwestern Red Raiders took on The Dordt University Defenders. This was the second meeting of the men’s teams this season with the first one ending in a Raiders loss with a score of 89-93.
Before the game started, a new banner was unveiled to all those attending the Bultman. That is the National Championship football banner that the NW football team won this past football season. With fans cheering for the banner coming from the Raider fans it was clear to see how proud of an accomplishment this was for fans and players alike.
Coming into the game, the men’s basketball team was more than ready to avenge their loss from earlier in the season. The men were hungry for revenge, and it was evident throughout the whole game. Even with a close score for most of the game, the Defenders were able to secure a lead that they held on to for most of the first and second half. It was not until 10 minutes remaining in the second half of play that the Raiders tied the game for the first time since the scoreboard read 2-2.
The game was impressive for both teams, who were able to cash in on several difficult shots within the final minutes of the game. As the clock started to run out, it still looked as if it could go either way. Both teams had come to give it their all, and that is exactly what they did.
With all players on the court giving, it one hundred percent, it was no surprise that it was a battle all the way until the very end. As the last minute arrived senior guard Dillon Carlson was able to bag a layup to tie the game 85-85. Dordt struck back though knocking down a jump shot with six seconds left, giving the Defenders the lead.
As NW gained possession again, Coach Kris Korver used the final time out to draw up a last chance play to secure a win. Coming off the timeout with one second left, senior Grant DeMeulenaere passed the ball into senior forward Craig Sterk. With some quick reflexes Sterk drained a 3-point shot, notching a buzzer beater win for the Raiders.
This win was no walk in the park, but rather a hard fought and rightfully earned notch in the win column. As for Sterk’s impressive last second shot, some may call it luck, but Coach Korver will be sure to tell you that “around here, we call that Raider magic.”
