Box Score GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – In a thriller, the Purdue Northwest Men's Basketball team bested Rockhurst for their first win of the season, 71-67. After a 1-1 weekend at the Cross Conference Classic, head coach Boomer Roberts is proud of his team, and is confident they are headed in the right direction as they look ahead to the rest of the season.
 
"I am really proud of the way our team competed today," Roberts said. "I have a ton of respect for Rockhurst and their coaches. Our guys matched their toughness and physicality today for 40 minutes and got a huge win. We competed on the glass, and our pressure and depth wore them down late in the game."
 
PNW and Rockhurst were even on the glass with 35 rebounds apiece, but the Pride outscored Rockhurst 30-21 off the bench, as junior forward Jyrus Freels led the team in offensive production with 14 points (7-11), 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.
 
"I was really proud of our lead guards, and Gabe, Jyro, and Tae were warriors in the paint. Chandler and Doss made big plays for us on both ends. We learned this weekend that we have a long way to go, but it's a solid starting point for this group."
 
Nine players scored on Saturday for the Pride, making their first win a true team effort.  The Pride return to the court on Saturday, November 15, as they welcome Illinois Springfield to John Friend Court for the season's home opener. The matchup starts at 7 p.m. (CT).