BY GORDON LARSON

SPECIAL TO THE AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

John Duren. He’s six feet, one inches of hustle and poise and last Saturday he had his best career game playing for the Northwestern Eagles. 

After sitting out last season with a bad back, the former Austin hoopster has been a growing asset to the Eagles squad. This season his effectiveness coming off the bench has earned him a starting position. 

Saturday afternoon the Eagles played Gordon College from Wenham, Massachusetts. The crowd was sparse, with most students still gone for Christmas break. Neither team looked sharp in the first half.  

After five minutes of play the Eagles were in a deep hole but recovered with a 17-4 run against the Fighting Scots to end the half leading 34-23. Duren had scored on some nice baseline drives, an offensive rebound put-back and a few free throws. 

But the Fighting Scots still had plenty of fight left. With five minutes left in the game they closed the Eagle led to two points. 

Then Duren seemed to hit a higher gear. He hit a clutch hoop and in a scramble for a loose ball under their basket, Duren dribbled clear with the ball. 

The excitement he generated continued. With under two minutes to play, a Gordon College player pulled down an offensive rebound. Before he could pass or shoot the ball Duren stripped it from him, sealing the lead for the Eagles. 

The Eagles final score:  66-58.  Duren finished with a career high 21 points, shooting seven for ten from the field. 

He had several important steals and played stellar defense. The Eagles play Martin Luther this Friday and Bethany Lutheran on Saturday.  Northwestern College is a Christian liberal arts college in Roseville, MN.