Northwestern men’s basketball team had its seven game winning streak snapped as they fell to Mounty Marty 56-54 Wednesday night.
The Raiders were unable to capitalize on opportunities, and gave the program its first loss to Mount Marty since the 2003-2004 season. The Raiders shot only 41 percent from the field and a mere 2 of 12 from three-point land to give the Lancers a way to win the contest.
The Raiders boasted a 38-27 lead with 17 minutes left in the second half before the Lancers went on a 8-1 run and got within striking distance. Senior Daniel Van Kalsbeek injured his ankle on a shot attempt and was out for the rest of the game.
For the remainder of the contest, neither team could pull away until the Lancers hit free throws in the waning seconds to go up 56-54, giving the Raiders no time to get a shot off.
Senior guard Ben Miller led the team with 14 points. Sophomore forward Levi Ettleman and junior guard Zack Leeper both chipped in 10 points. Senior post Stu Goslinga added 15 rebounds.
NW hosted Morningside on Nov. 20 in a GPAC showdown.
In control for nearly the entirety of the game, the Raiders cruised to a 109-98 victory. After a brief Morningside lead early in the first half, NW went on a 7-0 run to put the score 19-13 midway through the first half.
The Raiders closed the half on 9-3 run to lead the Mustangs 56-41 at the break. In the second half, NW never let their lead fall below ten points, which gave the Raiders their seventh straight victory.
Statistically, the Raiders shot lights out, going 60 percent from the field, including 9-15 from the three- point line. The Mustangs shot 45 percent from the field and 5-9 from downtown. NW dominated on the rebounding margin 42-27.
The Raiders were led in scoring by an impressive performance from Leeper that resulted in 24 points on 8-9 shooting as well as 4-4 from three-point land.
Miller earned his 18th career double-double by scoring 21 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Miller also tallied up eight assists. Van Kalsbeek came off the bench to notch in 19 points on 9-12 shooting.
Goslinga added 13 points, and freshman guard Joey Habtemariam scored a career high 12 points off the bench.
“This was a great team win. It kept our momentum going as well as insuring us all a happy Thanksgiving break,” said junior guard Ian Mozeleksi. “We just have to make sure we stay focused all the way until Christmas break. We have a game a week after finals so we cannot check out mentally like all of the other students.”
The Raiders return to action hosting Nebraska Wesleyan at 4 p.m on Saturday in the Bultman Center.
