Kirkwood men stop NIACC, 81-63

CEDAR RAPIDS — NIACC kept things close with Kirkwood Wednesday night but was unable to get over the hump in an 81-63 loss to the Eagles.

The Trojans trailed by two points at half and by six points with five minutes to play.

"Credit to them, they finished strong which is what good teams should do," NIACC coach Mark Mohl said.

Brad Rathjen led the Trojans with 22 points while Tim Trousell, Jason Gumm and Ben Moss each scored seven.

Rathjen finished with four 3-pointers.

"I think he's getting more comfortable," Mohl said of Rathjen. "He shot the ball well and did a good job of getting to the rim."

NIACC (16-13, 3-8) hosts Southwestern on Saturday.