Thursday Night Thriller
January 11, 2016 Contact NNU Athletics: 467-8505
Contact NNU Sports Information: 467-8474
Follow the Crusaders online: www.nnusports.com
Thursday Night Thriller
TREASURE VALLEY SCHOOL NIGHT All area students and school staff get in free on Thursday, Jan. 21, when the Crusader men host Western Washington. Don’t miss this fun-filled family night!
Coming Up Men’s Basketball Overall (5-7); GNAC (1-5)
DATE OPPONENT 1-14 at St. Martin’s 1-16 at Seattle Pacific 1-21 Western Washington 1-23 Simon Fraser 1-28 at Western Oregon 1-30 at Concordia
TIME 8 pm 8:30 pm 7 pm 7 pm 8 pm 8 pm
Women’s Basketball Overall (4-8); GNAC (2-4)
DATE OPPONENT 1-14 Alaska 1-16 Alaska Anchorage 1-21 at Concordia 1-23 at Western Oregon 1-28 at Seattle Pacific 1-30 at St. Martin’s
TIME 7 pm 7 pm 6:15 pm 6:15 pm 8 pm 8 pm
Track & Field DATE OPPONENT TIME 1-15 at Ed Jacoby Invite & Multi 2:30 pm at Ford Idaho Center, Nampa, ID 1-16 at Ed Jacoby Invite & Multi 9 am at Ford Idaho Center, Nampa, ID 1-23 at Bronco Invitational 9 am at Ford Idaho Center, Nampa, ID NOTE: All Start Times Nampa Time NOTE: Home Games In Bold
FOLLOW US!
instagram.com/ nnusports
Northwest Nazarene Crusader Athletics
Photo by Kari Stetson
Northwest Nazarene Joel Devastey gets a hug from teammate Leeor Konenkov while the Crusaders’ Bouna N’Diaye is congratulated by teammate Chris Crawford after NNU’s 98-96 win over Montana State Billings on Thursday night at the Johnson Sports Center.
News:
The Crusader men wrapped up a 4-game home-stand in style with a thrilling win over Montana State Billings on Thursday night. The victory was the highlight of a week that wrapped up the Christmas break on the Northwest Nazarene campus, though not the lone game. In its first game of the week, the NNU men’s basketball team came up short against visiting Central Washington on Tuesday, while the Crusader ladies were on the road for a pair of contests on Thursday and Saturday. Thursday, in a bid for a second straight upset of a GNAC leader, the NNU women missed a shot to tie at the buzzer against Western Washington. On Saturday, the Crusader ladies fell at Simon Fraser. MEN’S BASKETBALL: The Crusaders finished off a 4-game home-stand in high-scoring style on Thursday night, winning a shoot-out thriller over MSU Billings, 98-96. Building an 11-point lead against the hottest shooting team in the GNAC — the Yellowjackets — the Crusaders showed grit and determination, holding on late to score the victory.
January 11, 2016
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News
Detwon Rogers led the way on a prolific night for NNU, scoring 27 points and grabbing 8 rebounds in the victory, while Bouna N’Diaye added 19 points and 9 rebounds. Freshman Nikola Prvulj had the best game of his collegiate career, coming off the bench to score 16 points, and Joel Devastey added 10 points for NNU. The win followed up a strong 25-minute effort on Tuesday in a 98-72 setback versus visiting Central Washington. The Crusaders trailed 52-48 after a pair of N’Diaye free throws with 15 minutes to play before the Wildcats went off on offense, shooting 74.2 percent (23-of-31) in the final 20 minutes to pull away. Devastey led NNU with a strong performance, scoring 17 points and adding 8 boards, while N’Diaye again was solid with 14 points and 9 rebounds, and Prvulj tossed in 12 points off the bench. ON TAP: The Crusaders hit the road for games at St. Martin’s and 8th-ranked Seattle Pacific on Thursday and Saturday. NNU is tied with the Saints (1-5 GNAC) in the league standings. SMU has lost 4 straight overall, and was swept by the Crusaders last season. NNU will be out to snap a 9-game skid versus Seattle Pacific. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: A dramatic comeback wasn’t enough as the Crusaders fell, 59-56, on Thursday at league-leading Western Washington. Down 16 points in the third quarter, the Crusaders battled all the way back, tying it at 51-51 on a pair of free throws by Taylor Simmons, then taking a 54-51 lead on an Ellie Logan 3, only to see the host Vikings rally themselves to steal the win. Simmons led NNU with 20 points while adding 5 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 assists. CoCo Gall chipped in 10 points and 7 boards for the Crusaders. Saturday, NNU played catch-up unsuccessfully all night in a 90-73 setback at Simon Fraser. McKenna Walker had 13 points, Kate Cryderman scored 12 points, grabbed 4 boards and blocked 3 shots, and Cierra White scored 11 for NNU in the contest. ON TAP: It’s back home for a pair of Photo by Kari Stetson games for the Crusaders who look to ABOVE: Bouna N’Diaye drives against remain unbeaten on the Johnson Sports MSU Billings. N’Diaye averaged 16.5 points and 9 rebounds last week. Center hardwood. BELOW: Nikola Prvulj goes up for two. Thursday, NNU hosts Alaska (2-4 Prvulj averaged 14 points per game last week for NNU. GNAC), which has won 2 in a row. Then it’s rivalry time as former NNU player and women’s basketball assistant Ryan McCarty brings his 2nd-ranked Alaska Anchorage Seawolves to the JSC on Saturday. Last season, NNU handed the then-No. 3-ranked and unbeaten Seawolves their first loss of their the 2014-15 season. UAA is the top scoring team in the GNAC, averaging 84.9 points per game, and allows the fewest points at 53.4 ppg. Photo by Nick Danielson, WWU Athletics Photographer TRACK & FIELD: NNU will be back on the track at the Ed Jacoby NNU’s Katie Swanson looks to pass during the Crusaders’ game at Western Washington. Invitational and Mulit-Event indoor meet this Friday and Saturday. (Continued):
January 11, 2016
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Nuggets:
• Track & field’s Payton Lewis is tied for No. 10 in the nation in the pole vault at 15 feet, 7 inches. • Track & field’s Cole Hoberg is No. 14 in the nation in the high jump at 6 feet, 8.25 inches. • Track & field’s Taylor Van Valey is No. 27 in the nation in the weight throw at 53 feet, 7.5 inches. • The women’s basketball team leads the GNAC in free-throw percent at 76.0 percent (200of-263), which is No. 23 in the nation, and is No. 2 in scoring averaging 72.6 points per game. • Women’s basketball player Taylor Simmons is No. 3 in the GNAC in steals per game (2.3) Mike Wright and needs 60 steals to become NNU’s all-time leader in steals. • Women’s basketball player Ellie Logan leads the GNAC in free-throw percentage at 92.0 Cole Hoberg percent (46-of-50), and is No. 8 in the nation. • The men’s basketball team is No. 2 in the GNAC in blocked shots per game averaging 4.6, which is 31st in the nation. • Men’s basketball player Nikola Prvulj leads the GNAC in 3-point field-goal percent at 55.6 percent (15-of-27). • Men’s basketball player Mike Wright is No. 2 in the GNAC in assists per game (5.7) and No. 22 in the nation. • Men’s basketball player Bouna N’Diaye is No. 3 in the GNAC in blocked shots per game (1.5).
Updates:
Crusaders welcome Treasure Valley schools
The Northwest Nazarene men’s basketball team welcomes students and staff from all Treasure Valley schools to a special night of basketball action when the Crusaders host Western Washington on Thursday, Jan. 21, at 7 pm. Students and school staff get in free, while all other general admission tickets are just $5. There also will be refreshments for school staff in the NNU Athletic Hall of Fame, and following the game the Crusaders will hold an autograph session.
NNU to host Church Night in February
The Crusaders men’s basketball team is inviting all area church members to come cheer on NNU as they take on nationally-ranked Seattle Pacific on Thursday, Feb. 11, at the Johnson Sports Center. Check the nnusports.com website or call (208) 467-8505 for more information about this special night, including reduced general admission ticket prices.
Men’s Basketball
Overall GNAC Team W L W L GB Alaska Anch. 13 4 6 0 — Western Ore. 12 2 5 1 1 Alaska 11 3 5 1 1 Central Wash. 9 2 4 2 2 Seattle Pacific 10 4 3 3 3 Western Wash. 9 6 3 3 3 MSU Billings 6 8 3 3 3 Concordia 4 9 2 4 4 St. Martin’s 7 7 1 5 5 NW Nazarene 5 7 1 5 5 Simon Fraser 1 11 0 6 6
Tuesday’s Game MSU Billings at Alaska Anchorage Thursday’s Games Concordia at Western Washington; Western Oregon at Simon Fraser; MSU Billings at Alaska; Central Washington at Seattle Pacific; Northwest Nazarene at St. Martin’s, 8 pm (MT) Saturday’s Games Western Oregon at Western Washington; Concordia at Simon Fraser; Alaska Anchorage at Alaska; Central Washington at St. Martin’s; Northwest Nazarene at No. 8 Seattle Pacific, 6:15 p.m. (MT)
Women’s Basketball
Overall GNAC Team W L W L GB Alaska Anch. 18 1 5 1 — Western Wash. 9 5 5 1 — MSU Billings 9 5 5 1 — Central Wash. 10 4 3 3 2 Simon Fraser 5 6 3 3 2 Seattle Pacific 6 7 3 3 2 St. Martin’s 5 8 3 3 2 Alaska 7 9 2 4 3 NW Nazarene 4 8 2 4 3 Concordia 3 11 1 5 4 Western Ore. 2 12 1 5 4
Tuesday’s Game Concordia at Western Oregon Wednesday’s Game Western Washington at St. Martin’s Thursday’s Games Simon Fraser at Seattle Pacific; Alaska Anchorage at Central Washington; MSU BIllings at Concordia; Alaska at Northwest Nazarene, 7 pm Saturday’s Games Alaska at Central Washington; Western Washington at Seattle Pacific; MSU Billings at Western Oregon; Simon Fraser at St. Martin’s; No. 2 Alaska Anchorage at Northwest Nazarene, 7 pm
January 11, 2016
THE WEEK IN PICTURES
Photos by Kari Stetson and/or submitted photos
TOP LEFT: Brad Amburgey drives during Tuesday game against Central Washington. ABOVE: NNU cross-country runner Amy Wheeler works with some kids in Kenya last month. TOP RIGHT: Marko Lepovic puts up a shot Thursday over an MSU Billings defender. LEFT: Detwon Rogers goes up for the dunk over an MSU Billings defender on Thursday. RIGHT: NNU’s Bouna N’Diaye dishes off during Thursday’s win over MSU Billings. BELOW LEFT: Coach Scott Flemming guides his team during their win Thursday over MSU Billings. BELOW RIGHT: NNU’s Kaitlyn Merritt looks to pass during Thursday’s game at WWU.
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Contact NNU Sports Information: 467-8474
Follow the Crusaders online: www.nnusports.com
Thursday Night Thriller
TREASURE VALLEY SCHOOL NIGHT All area students and school staff get in free on Thursday, Jan. 21, when the Crusader men host Western Washington. Don’t miss this fun-filled family night!
Coming Up Men’s Basketball Overall (5-7); GNAC (1-5)
DATE OPPONENT 1-14 at St. Martin’s 1-16 at Seattle Pacific 1-21 Western Washington 1-23 Simon Fraser 1-28 at Western Oregon 1-30 at Concordia
TIME 8 pm 8:30 pm 7 pm 7 pm 8 pm 8 pm
Women’s Basketball Overall (4-8); GNAC (2-4)
DATE OPPONENT 1-14 Alaska 1-16 Alaska Anchorage 1-21 at Concordia 1-23 at Western Oregon 1-28 at Seattle Pacific 1-30 at St. Martin’s
TIME 7 pm 7 pm 6:15 pm 6:15 pm 8 pm 8 pm
Track & Field DATE OPPONENT TIME 1-15 at Ed Jacoby Invite & Multi 2:30 pm at Ford Idaho Center, Nampa, ID 1-16 at Ed Jacoby Invite & Multi 9 am at Ford Idaho Center, Nampa, ID 1-23 at Bronco Invitational 9 am at Ford Idaho Center, Nampa, ID NOTE: All Start Times Nampa Time NOTE: Home Games In Bold
FOLLOW US!
instagram.com/ nnusports
Northwest Nazarene Crusader Athletics
Photo by Kari Stetson
Northwest Nazarene Joel Devastey gets a hug from teammate Leeor Konenkov while the Crusaders’ Bouna N’Diaye is congratulated by teammate Chris Crawford after NNU’s 98-96 win over Montana State Billings on Thursday night at the Johnson Sports Center.
News:
The Crusader men wrapped up a 4-game home-stand in style with a thrilling win over Montana State Billings on Thursday night. The victory was the highlight of a week that wrapped up the Christmas break on the Northwest Nazarene campus, though not the lone game. In its first game of the week, the NNU men’s basketball team came up short against visiting Central Washington on Tuesday, while the Crusader ladies were on the road for a pair of contests on Thursday and Saturday. Thursday, in a bid for a second straight upset of a GNAC leader, the NNU women missed a shot to tie at the buzzer against Western Washington. On Saturday, the Crusader ladies fell at Simon Fraser. MEN’S BASKETBALL: The Crusaders finished off a 4-game home-stand in high-scoring style on Thursday night, winning a shoot-out thriller over MSU Billings, 98-96. Building an 11-point lead against the hottest shooting team in the GNAC — the Yellowjackets — the Crusaders showed grit and determination, holding on late to score the victory.
January 11, 2016
Page 2
News
Detwon Rogers led the way on a prolific night for NNU, scoring 27 points and grabbing 8 rebounds in the victory, while Bouna N’Diaye added 19 points and 9 rebounds. Freshman Nikola Prvulj had the best game of his collegiate career, coming off the bench to score 16 points, and Joel Devastey added 10 points for NNU. The win followed up a strong 25-minute effort on Tuesday in a 98-72 setback versus visiting Central Washington. The Crusaders trailed 52-48 after a pair of N’Diaye free throws with 15 minutes to play before the Wildcats went off on offense, shooting 74.2 percent (23-of-31) in the final 20 minutes to pull away. Devastey led NNU with a strong performance, scoring 17 points and adding 8 boards, while N’Diaye again was solid with 14 points and 9 rebounds, and Prvulj tossed in 12 points off the bench. ON TAP: The Crusaders hit the road for games at St. Martin’s and 8th-ranked Seattle Pacific on Thursday and Saturday. NNU is tied with the Saints (1-5 GNAC) in the league standings. SMU has lost 4 straight overall, and was swept by the Crusaders last season. NNU will be out to snap a 9-game skid versus Seattle Pacific. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: A dramatic comeback wasn’t enough as the Crusaders fell, 59-56, on Thursday at league-leading Western Washington. Down 16 points in the third quarter, the Crusaders battled all the way back, tying it at 51-51 on a pair of free throws by Taylor Simmons, then taking a 54-51 lead on an Ellie Logan 3, only to see the host Vikings rally themselves to steal the win. Simmons led NNU with 20 points while adding 5 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 assists. CoCo Gall chipped in 10 points and 7 boards for the Crusaders. Saturday, NNU played catch-up unsuccessfully all night in a 90-73 setback at Simon Fraser. McKenna Walker had 13 points, Kate Cryderman scored 12 points, grabbed 4 boards and blocked 3 shots, and Cierra White scored 11 for NNU in the contest. ON TAP: It’s back home for a pair of Photo by Kari Stetson games for the Crusaders who look to ABOVE: Bouna N’Diaye drives against remain unbeaten on the Johnson Sports MSU Billings. N’Diaye averaged 16.5 points and 9 rebounds last week. Center hardwood. BELOW: Nikola Prvulj goes up for two. Thursday, NNU hosts Alaska (2-4 Prvulj averaged 14 points per game last week for NNU. GNAC), which has won 2 in a row. Then it’s rivalry time as former NNU player and women’s basketball assistant Ryan McCarty brings his 2nd-ranked Alaska Anchorage Seawolves to the JSC on Saturday. Last season, NNU handed the then-No. 3-ranked and unbeaten Seawolves their first loss of their the 2014-15 season. UAA is the top scoring team in the GNAC, averaging 84.9 points per game, and allows the fewest points at 53.4 ppg. Photo by Nick Danielson, WWU Athletics Photographer TRACK & FIELD: NNU will be back on the track at the Ed Jacoby NNU’s Katie Swanson looks to pass during the Crusaders’ game at Western Washington. Invitational and Mulit-Event indoor meet this Friday and Saturday. (Continued):
January 11, 2016
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Nuggets:
• Track & field’s Payton Lewis is tied for No. 10 in the nation in the pole vault at 15 feet, 7 inches. • Track & field’s Cole Hoberg is No. 14 in the nation in the high jump at 6 feet, 8.25 inches. • Track & field’s Taylor Van Valey is No. 27 in the nation in the weight throw at 53 feet, 7.5 inches. • The women’s basketball team leads the GNAC in free-throw percent at 76.0 percent (200of-263), which is No. 23 in the nation, and is No. 2 in scoring averaging 72.6 points per game. • Women’s basketball player Taylor Simmons is No. 3 in the GNAC in steals per game (2.3) Mike Wright and needs 60 steals to become NNU’s all-time leader in steals. • Women’s basketball player Ellie Logan leads the GNAC in free-throw percentage at 92.0 Cole Hoberg percent (46-of-50), and is No. 8 in the nation. • The men’s basketball team is No. 2 in the GNAC in blocked shots per game averaging 4.6, which is 31st in the nation. • Men’s basketball player Nikola Prvulj leads the GNAC in 3-point field-goal percent at 55.6 percent (15-of-27). • Men’s basketball player Mike Wright is No. 2 in the GNAC in assists per game (5.7) and No. 22 in the nation. • Men’s basketball player Bouna N’Diaye is No. 3 in the GNAC in blocked shots per game (1.5).
Updates:
Crusaders welcome Treasure Valley schools
The Northwest Nazarene men’s basketball team welcomes students and staff from all Treasure Valley schools to a special night of basketball action when the Crusaders host Western Washington on Thursday, Jan. 21, at 7 pm. Students and school staff get in free, while all other general admission tickets are just $5. There also will be refreshments for school staff in the NNU Athletic Hall of Fame, and following the game the Crusaders will hold an autograph session.
NNU to host Church Night in February
The Crusaders men’s basketball team is inviting all area church members to come cheer on NNU as they take on nationally-ranked Seattle Pacific on Thursday, Feb. 11, at the Johnson Sports Center. Check the nnusports.com website or call (208) 467-8505 for more information about this special night, including reduced general admission ticket prices.
Men’s Basketball
Overall GNAC Team W L W L GB Alaska Anch. 13 4 6 0 — Western Ore. 12 2 5 1 1 Alaska 11 3 5 1 1 Central Wash. 9 2 4 2 2 Seattle Pacific 10 4 3 3 3 Western Wash. 9 6 3 3 3 MSU Billings 6 8 3 3 3 Concordia 4 9 2 4 4 St. Martin’s 7 7 1 5 5 NW Nazarene 5 7 1 5 5 Simon Fraser 1 11 0 6 6
Tuesday’s Game MSU Billings at Alaska Anchorage Thursday’s Games Concordia at Western Washington; Western Oregon at Simon Fraser; MSU Billings at Alaska; Central Washington at Seattle Pacific; Northwest Nazarene at St. Martin’s, 8 pm (MT) Saturday’s Games Western Oregon at Western Washington; Concordia at Simon Fraser; Alaska Anchorage at Alaska; Central Washington at St. Martin’s; Northwest Nazarene at No. 8 Seattle Pacific, 6:15 p.m. (MT)
Women’s Basketball
Overall GNAC Team W L W L GB Alaska Anch. 18 1 5 1 — Western Wash. 9 5 5 1 — MSU Billings 9 5 5 1 — Central Wash. 10 4 3 3 2 Simon Fraser 5 6 3 3 2 Seattle Pacific 6 7 3 3 2 St. Martin’s 5 8 3 3 2 Alaska 7 9 2 4 3 NW Nazarene 4 8 2 4 3 Concordia 3 11 1 5 4 Western Ore. 2 12 1 5 4
Tuesday’s Game Concordia at Western Oregon Wednesday’s Game Western Washington at St. Martin’s Thursday’s Games Simon Fraser at Seattle Pacific; Alaska Anchorage at Central Washington; MSU BIllings at Concordia; Alaska at Northwest Nazarene, 7 pm Saturday’s Games Alaska at Central Washington; Western Washington at Seattle Pacific; MSU Billings at Western Oregon; Simon Fraser at St. Martin’s; No. 2 Alaska Anchorage at Northwest Nazarene, 7 pm
January 11, 2016
THE WEEK IN PICTURES
Photos by Kari Stetson and/or submitted photos
TOP LEFT: Brad Amburgey drives during Tuesday game against Central Washington. ABOVE: NNU cross-country runner Amy Wheeler works with some kids in Kenya last month. TOP RIGHT: Marko Lepovic puts up a shot Thursday over an MSU Billings defender. LEFT: Detwon Rogers goes up for the dunk over an MSU Billings defender on Thursday. RIGHT: NNU’s Bouna N’Diaye dishes off during Thursday’s win over MSU Billings. BELOW LEFT: Coach Scott Flemming guides his team during their win Thursday over MSU Billings. BELOW RIGHT: NNU’s Kaitlyn Merritt looks to pass during Thursday’s game at WWU.
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