SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Yellowjacket men's basketball team entered the Ericksen Center Wednesday, facing off against Northwestern. The 'Jackets, boasting a 3-0 record in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) play, take on an Eagles squad that snuck past Minnesota Morris with a buzzer-beating shot from their sophomore guard AJ Greene. On the contrary, UWS has seen an offensive clinic put on by senior guard
Reid Johnson (Chatfield, Minn./Chatfield) in his last four games.
Both players would be heavily involved in Wednesday's conference matchup, which saw Northwestern take advantage early. The Yellowjackets kept themselves within striking distance, but a late Eagles push helped secure an 82-72 win over Superior.
Game Notes
- Nine-straight points from the home faithful got the evening started. Johnson logged a steal and was fouled on the steal-and-score attempt before logging his first points of the contest.
- The Eagles drilled a three pointer, but Johnson responded right away with a trey of his own. J'Vaun Walker (Rosharon, Texas/Manvel) would apply the assist, along with Johnson's following layup attempt to get UWS within five at 12-7.
- Evan Bennett (Superior, Wis./Superior) entered the scoring with a three to tie things up at 15-15. Teams exchanged blows throughout the rest of the half until Northwestern began to gain some ground, leading 36-27.
- Andrew Kunelius (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia) logged back-to-back shots before Bennett drew a foul and hit both from the free throw line, ending the scoring for the Yellowjackets. They entered halftime trailing by seven at 40-37.
- Johnson came out of the break providing the early offense, bringing UWS within three at 42-39. UNW took advantage of a Yellowjacket turnover, ultimately leading to the Eagles leading by 12.
- Kunelius, alongside Walker provided points for the Yellowjackets before Johnson logged the final five points for Superior. The damage had been done, however, as Northwestern ended the 'Jackets' unbeaten conference streak with an 82-72 win.
- Johnson paced the way with 33 points, adding three steals and four rebounds. Kunelius was the other Yellowjacket in double-figures, logging 11 points.
The Yellowjackets return home Saturday, playing host to Minnesota Morris. The opening tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. inside the Mertz.
