ABERDEEN, S.D. - The Northern State men's basketball team (2-0) had five players score in double figures in an 86-62 romping of the University of North Dakota (0-3).  The Wolves improved their shooting performance and finished the night hitting 48.3 percent from the field.  Northern is in action this Friday and Saturday as they host the Wachs/Super 8 Holiday Tournament.

Northern opened the game against North Dakota with a 13-4 run and did not look back, stretching their lead to double figures before ten minutes had passed.  They held their neighbors from the north to just 30 percent shooting in the first half and scored 14 points off of UND's 13 first half turnovers.  The Wolves had a commanding 40-21 lead at the break.

Although North Dakota shot significantly better in the second half (46.4%) and took better care of the ball, the Wolves kept the pressure on and refused to let UND see the light.  Northern led 49-23 just four minutes into the second half, but that would not be their largest lead of the night.  A 29 point differential came near the five minute mark with the Wolves leading 75-46.  The team had balanced scoring between their bigs and shooters and received points from ten different players.

Kevin Ratzsch led the Wolves with 15 points and had five rebounds.  Levi Hamilton had 14 points and a team high ten boards.  Others in double figures were Robert Thomas, Craig Nelson, and Derek Hoellein with 13, 12, and 10 points each, respectively.  Hamilton also had four assists, which tied Mitch Boeck for a team high.

The Wolves shot 48.3 percent from the field in the win and had a rebounding margin of +6 (39-33).   The team hit 11 three-pointers and had 19 assists.

North Dakota finished the night shooting 39.6 percent from the field.  Emmanuel Little was the only UND player with double figures in scoring.  He hit 11 free throws and three field goals for 17 point.  Little also led the team on the boards with nine rebounds.