Red Raiders Start Hot to Top Men's Basketball

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Doane (NE) couldn't overcome a scorching first half from Northwestern, falling 93-67 in Great Plains Athletic Conference play Saturday at the Bultman Center.

Northwestern poured in 62 first-half points on 25-of-32 shooting (78.1%) to take a 62-25 advantage into the break, building its largest lead at 39 points late in the half. Doane responded with a stronger second half—outscoring the Red Raiders 42-31 after halftime—but couldn't close the gap.

Casen Chaney led the Tigers with 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting and three 3-pointers. Jack Wilson added 13 points, while Justus Gardiner chipped in 12. Doane finished 10-of-31 from beyond the arc and shot 41.7% overall (25-of-60).

Northwestern was paced by Jesse Van Kalsbeek, who posted a near triple-double with 28 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Brennan Reid added 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Jalen Langsy scored 17 as the Red Raiders shot 65.5% for the game (38-of-58) and assisted on 19 made field goals.

Doane forced 11 turnovers and scored 16 points off those miscues, but Northwestern controlled the glass (36-21) and held a 48-28 edge in points in the paint.

The Tigers moved to 11-12 overall and 5-10 in conference play. Northwestern improved to 18-5 overall and 10-5 in the league.

(generated by ChatGPT)