The American University men's basketball team fell victim to a hot shooting Northwestern team Thursday night, dropping a 78-62 contest in Evanston, Ill.

Vlad Moldoveanu led American (6-4) with 21 points as the Eagles combined to shoot 46.0 percent from the floor. Northwestern (7-0) shot 50.0 percent for the game, however, and turned 14 American turnovers into 17 points. John Shurna led all scorers with 28 while teammate Michael Thompson netted 23.

"We played hard but I think in the second half we just got worn down," Head Coach Jeff Jones commented. " This was a very explosive team, probably the most explosive team we've played. I was pleased with our effort but we just couldn't keep up."

Both teams held a hot hand early and combined for 35 points through the first five-plus minutes. After falling behind 7-2, Moldoveanu responded with six straight points and a Troy Brewer three-pointer tied the score at 12. Shurna kept the Wildcats out in front with 17 first-half points but the Eagles remained close and pulled to within 27-26 on Nick Hendra's second three of the half.

Northwestern used an 11-5 run to take a 38-31 advantage before another Brewer three put the score at 38-34 heading into the intermission. The Eagles shot 54.5 percent from the floor and 5-of-8 from beyond the arc in the first half, but the Wildcats were able to turn six American turnovers into eight points for the lead. Nine of Moldoveanu's points came in the first with Brewer adding eight.

A 9-2 run to open the second half allowed Northwestern to open a 47-36 advantage. Hendra ended American's drought with a layup in transition and was followed by a Stephen Lumpkins basket, but Northwestern answered with 13 straight to pull away.  The Wildcats led by as many as 22 points before American closed the game on a 10-4 run for the final 78-62 margin.

American will be back in action on Monday, December 20 when it continues its eight-game roadtrip against Mount St. Mary's at 7:00 p.m. in Emmitsburg, Md.