Box Score  | GameDay Preview

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Michael Burfeind (Lewiston, Minn.) and Evan Pederson (Onalaska, Wis.) combined for 34 points — and led four Saint Mary's University players in double figures — but it was not enough, as Northwestern pulled away from the Cardinal men's basketball team 85-68 during the opening day of the ACR Homes/Northwestern College Tip-Off Tournament.

The Cardinals shot a blistering 65 percent from the field in the first half — and cut a 10-point Northwestern lead down to three, 40-37, at the half.

Over the game's final 20 minutes, however, it was the Eagles who caught fire, as Northwestern drained 18 of 33 field goals — including six 3-pointers — in outscoring SMU 45-31 and securing the win.

Burfeind tossed in a game-high 18 points, going 8-for-16 from the field — including one 3-pointer — while adding a 1-for-4 showing from the free throw line. Pederson, meanwhile, knocked down 4 of 5 3-pointers and was 5 of 11 from the field en route to his 16-point effort. The sophomore guard also dished out three assists and had four rebounds. Mark Schumacher (Perham, Minn.) and Sam Ruth (Zumbro Falls, Minn.) — playing in their first collegiate games, chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Schumacher also hauling in a team-best five rebounds.

Matt Watnemo and Wade Chitwood each had 16 points and Tom Gisler added 15 for Northwestern, which qualified for the NCAA Division III national tournament a year ago.

The Cardinals (0-1 overall) are back in action on Saturday, taking on North Central (Minn.) — an 89-69 loser to UW-River Falls on Friday — in their secod game of the ACR Homes/Northwestern Tip-Off Tournament. Game time is set for 3 p.m.