EVANSTON, Ill. (Interstat) — Nick Martinelli scored 29 points to lead Northwestern to an 86-70 men’s basketball victory over Valparaiso on Tuesday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

The Wildcats improved to 7-4 overall, while the Beacons fell to 6-5. Northwestern led 39-30 at halftime and maintained control throughout the second half, outscoring Valparaiso 47-40 after the break. Arrinten Page added 18 points for the Wildcats. JT Pettigrew led Valparaiso with 13 points. A crowd of 4,525 watched the game. Northwestern next plays at Butler on Saturday. Valparaiso hosts Murray State on Sunday.