A pair of team captains led the NIU men’s basketball to victory in its final exhibition game over the weekend.

In Saturday’s match-up against Carthage, sophomore captains Darion ‘Jake’ Anderson and Sean Kowal stepped up and led by example in their team’s 76-62 win over the Red Men.

“I think they complement each other well,” said NIU head coach Ricardo Patton of the duo. “You need guys who are not just going to step up and lead by example, but be vocal with their leadership.”

The two captains were more than vocal as they scored a combined 45 points, and tallied 18 rebounds in the game.

Anderson, a preseason All-MAC pick, grabbed a double-double after hitting 14-of-18 attempts with two shots coming from 3-point range. The guard scored a team-high 31 points and led his team on the boards after pulling down 10 rebounds.

However, the Chicago native was often under double coverage, leaving room for fellow captain Kowal to capitalize under the net.

“Their defense just collapsed on me a lot and it left Kowal open,” Anderson said. “I think that’s going to happen a lot, so we just have to continue to be ready so he can get a couple more dunks throughout the season.”

Kowal ended the game behind Anderson with 14 points and eight rebounds. The Colorado transfer went 7-of-10 from the floor and grabbed three offensive boards. Kowal credited his success to Anderson’s unselfish play.

“When Jake’s in at guard, teams are going to need to acquire help,” Kowal said. “And when they are going to acquire help it’s going to leave someone wide open.”

The powerful pair played all but six minutes of the game, and both hope to see their coupling last throughout the season. Kowal said Patton is still toying around with the team match-ups, but hopes he and Anderson will continue to work as a duo on the court.

“It’s still early in the season, and we’re all trying to get used to playing with one another,” Kowal said. “Being surrounded by good guards is a fun thing.”

With the inexperience and youth on the team, Patton said the captains will need to continue leading the team both on and off the court.

“I think both Sean and Jake have the respect of their teammates,” the coach said. “They don’t do a lot of talking, but when they do, their teammates tend to listen.”