SAINT PAUL, MINN.--The Hamline University men's basketball team defeated Northwestern (Minn.) 94-72 at Hutton Arena on Saturday evening.

The Pipers move to 1-0, marking their first season-opening victory since 2020-21, when they defeated Bethel 55-38. Hamline's 26 assists in this game is their highest total since January 6, 2018, when they recorded 28 in a game against Macalester. The Eagles fall to 0-1 on the season.

Hamline led Northwestern 51-31 at the end of the first half. The Pipers demonstrated strong shooting with 21-of-35 baskets made, including 8-of-16 from beyond the arc. They capitalized on turnovers, scoring eight points from turnovers and dominating the paint with 22 points. The Eagles struggled with ball control, committing five turnovers and scoring 12-of-31 baskets, including 3-of-10 from three-point range.

In the second half, the Pipers edged the Eagles 43-41. Both teams scored 16 baskets, with Hamline shooting 16-for-33 and Northwestern 16-for-29. The Pipers had a strong presence in the paint with 20 points, while the Eagles scored 24. Hamline committed 10 fouls compared to Northwestern's five, and they outperformed the visitors in bench points, scoring 13 to two. Additionally, Hamline capitalized on turnovers, scoring nine points off turnovers while Northwestern managed three.

Bradley Cimperman led the Pipers with a standout performance, scoring 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including five 3-pointers. Raoul Vaidya also contributed significantly, tallying 16 points with six assists and hitting four 3-pointers. Austin Holt was a key player on the boards, securing 12 rebounds and adding 10 points while also providing five assists. Brendan Ebel made an impact with 12 points, four assists, and two steals. Daniel McCarrell rounded out the top performers with 12 points and five assists.

The Eagles featured several standout players. Japheth Nyamari led the team in scoring with 32 points, making 11-of-20 baskets and 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, while also converting 6-of-8 free throws. Soren Anderson contributed significantly with 16 points, shooting 7-for-9 from the field and securing seven rebounds. Noah Frazell demonstrated defensive prowess with two steals and grabbed six rebounds. Elijah Burns scored nine points, including a 3-pointer, and added three rebounds to his performance. 

The Pipers will travel to UW-Stout on Wednesday, November 13 for a 7 p.m. game.