A big night from Quinten Vasa was not enough, as the Briar Cliff men's basketball team fell to Northwestern 90-98 Wednesday night. BC falls to 3-5 on the season and 1-3 in the GPAC, while Northwestern moves to 6-2 and 3-2 in the conference.
 
Ethan Freidel hit a 3-pointer to put the Chargers on the board first, followed by a Vasa layup to take an early 5-0 lead. Jay Small hit three straight treys to get the Red Raiders offense going with 16:57 left in the first half.
 
At the midway point of the first 20 minutes, Trent Hilbrands hit a 3-pointer to give Northwestern a four-point lead. Vasa answered with a 3-ball of his own, assisted by Wil Johnson. BC would take their largest lead of the game 51-44, after a 7-0 run with 1:22 left. Vasa paced the Chargers in the first half with 18 points, four rebounds, and six assists.
 
Both teams traded baskets to start the second half, with BC holding the lead throughout the first ten minutes. The Briar Cliff offense fell cold in the final ten minutes of regulation, managing only 11 points against the Red Raider zone defense.
 
"I thought our guys really battled all night," said head coach Mark Svagera. "In close games we have to find a way to string together defensive stops right now."
 
Vasa filled the stat sheet with 24 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Ethan Freidel scored 20 points and dished out four assists. Jaden Kleinhesselink added 18 points and four rebounds. BC shot 46.2 percent from the field and 39.5 from the 3-point line.
 
"I believe we're on the verge of a breakthrough, but we first need to put together a 40-minute game," said Svagera.
 
Northwestern had six players score in double-digits with Trent Hilbrands leadng the way with a game-high 29 points on 12-of-19 shooting. The Red Raiders shot 63.3 percent from the floor and 46.2 percent from the 3-point line.
 
The Chargers are back at the Newman Flanagan Center Saturday hosting Concordia. Tip-off is set for 4 PM.