VALLEY CITY – Northwestern College made eight first-half 3-pointers Saturday, opening up a 20-point halftime lead en route to a 99-68 victory over the Valley City State men’s basketball team.

Valley City State drops to 0-5 overall this season. Northwestern College (Iowa) improves to 2-1 overall.

The Vikings shot 45 percent overall (26-58), 36 percent on 3’s (8-22) and 62 percent on free throws (8-13). Northwestern finished the game shooting 52 percent overall (36-69), 52 percent from 3-point range (13-25) and 78 percent on free throws (14-18).

The Vikings were hampered by 21 turnovers Saturday, including 13 in the first half. Northwestern shot 55 percent in the first half – including 8-for-13 on 3’s – to open up a 51-31 lead at the break.

Connor Entzi led the Vikings in scoring with 12 points. Freshman Will Tinjum added 10 points off the bench in the second half, and Jalen Addison scored nine points.

Northwestern out-rebounded the Vikings 39-25, including an 11-4 edge on the offensive glass. VCSU finished with 21 turnovers, nine assists, six blocks and two steals. Northwestern committed 15 turnovers and finished with 14 assists, five blocks and eight steals.

Northwestern College was led by 27 points from Trent Hilbrands, who made six 3-pointers in the game and scored 21 first-half points. The Red Raiders had four players score in double figures.

Up next: Valley City State hosts Mount Marty College for a non-conference game on Friday, Nov. 8. Tip off is set 7 p.m. at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse.

(Photos Courtesy VCSU Athletics)