Box Score KIRKLAND, Wash. – The Northwest University emerged successful with a 71-67 win over Vancouver Island tonight in a non-conference contest. The Eagles came back from a 10 point deficit in the second half for the win.

Northwest U didn't waste any time getting out to a 14-4 lead over a Mariner team that just recently knocked off NAIA Division I Westminster twice.  Freshman Marko Nikolic's driving lay-up would make it 16-5 seven minutes into the game. A steal and dunk by Nikolic would grow the Eagle lead to 14, 25-11, with 8:28 to go in the half. VIU would heat up and go on a 14-0 run as Kadeem Stewart, from Seattle's Rainier Beach High, would drain a 3-pointer to tie the game at 25-all with 3:01 showing on the clock. The two teams would trade baskets at the end of the half to head into the break tied at 27-27.

In the second half, Vancouver Island's American players, Justin King and Kadeem Stewart would give the Mariners a 38-33 lead 6 minutes into the period.  A three point play by Stewart and Jason Fortin lay-up would grow the VIU lead to ten, 45-35, at the 11:56 mark. With 9:58 to go, Northwest U would begin a comeback and chip away at the VIU lead.  CJ Carter's trey would cut the VIU lead to 49-46 with 8:52 to go. Nemanja Grujicic's offensive rebound and score along with CJ Carter's 3-pointer would give NU a 54-53 lead with 5:56 remaining in the game.  VIU would make it close in the end, but NU would hold off their comeback attempt and CJ Carter's free throw with 15 seconds to go would clinch the game.

Northwest U (1-0) was led by Carter's 21 points. Freshman Marko Nikolic registered a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Seniors Jeremy Paull and Nemanja Grujicic each scored 9 for the Eagles.  NU shot 40% for the night and lost the rebounding battle 47-43 to the Mariners.

"I was proud of the way our guys did not quit when we fell behind in the second half," said John Van Dyke, Eagle head coach. "They pulled together and maintained their composure to pull out the victory. We're a little shorthanded right now, but the group that played tonight gave us a solid effort."

Kadeem Stewart led Vancouver Island (2-3) with 25 points. Justin King and Jason Fortin each dropped in 11 and King added 11 rebounds for a double-double. VIU hit just 2-22 from the 3-point line and shot 34%.