Box Score KIRKLAND, Wash. – Northwest University broke open the game in the second half for a 118-84 victory over New Hope Christian College tonight in a non-conference game. Leading by 9 at the end of the first half, the Eagles outscored New Hope 60-35 in the second half for the win. NU hit the 100 point mark for the second straight time as they scored 105 points in their season opener against Quest.
Led by Isiah Large's 15 first half points and 54 per cent shooting, New Hope stayed close to Northwest U for a good part of the first half. NU was led by Tre' Benton and Michael Dupree with 12 points each, NU shot 50 per cent. The Eagles also shot 57 per cent from the three point line for the 58-49 halftime lead.
Northwest U's defense picked up in the second half as they held Large to 9 second half points and held the Deacons to 32 percent shooting (11-34) while they hit 55 per cent of their shots to lengthen their lead. Dak Shagren heated up in the half finishing with 15 points and 4 assists for the period.
Shagren finished with a team high 21 points hitting 5 of 10 three point attempts for Northwest U (2-0). Four other Eagles finished in double figures: Tre' Benton with 20 points; Ben Tucakovic with 18 points and 12 rebounds; Michael Dupree with 15 points and 8 assists; and Paul Loranger with 13 points and 7 rebounds. NU was strong on the boards with 17 offensive rebounds.
New Hope Christian (1-5) was led by Isiah Large's 24 points with Aaron Proctor finishing with 13 point and Phillip Cook dropping in 11 points. Steven Shares had a team high 6 assists as the Deacons. New Hope grabbed 34 rebounds to Northwest U's 49.
"It took us a little time get settled in and defend better," said NU head coach,
John Van Dyke, "but we have several new players and we understand it will take a little time to come together as a unit as I know they will. We created a lot of second chances with our offensive rebounding which is a positive. This is a good group and they will continue to improve."
NU now travels to Arizona to play Benedictine – Mesa and Embry Riddle in Prescott on Friday and Saturday.
