BOX SCORE

ABERDEEN, S.D. – The #5-ranked Northern State men's basketball team (23-2, 14-2 NSIC) rolled past Minnesota, Crookston (5-19, 2-13 NSIC) with a 107-55 victory. This marks the second time this season the Wolves broke the hundred point barrier, the last being a 106-78 victory over Midland Lutheran. The 52 point margin of victory is the largest on the books since 2002, when they beat Minnesota-Morris 109-57. The school record for largest victory is 60 points. The Wolves host Bemidiji State tomorrow night at Wachs Arena.

 

The Wolves started off on fire hitting 17 of their first 24 shots, led by Craig Nelson with 5 three-pointers. The Wolves' shooting cooled off and they finished the half with a 55-24 lead. The Golden Eagles struggled from the field, only shooting 33% and only had a few open shots. The Wolves' defense forced 11 first half turnovers, scoring 16 points off those turnovers.

 

Both teams shot well from the 3-point line in the first half with UM, Crookston shooting 5 of 10, led by Aaron Smith. The Wolves were 6 of 15, led by Craig Nelson and Kevin Ratzsch.

 

The second half started with battles back and forth with neither team giving an inch and by the 9:35 mark of the second half the Wolves held an 80-44 lead. The Golden Eagles were successful from the three-point line, shooting 47.8% (11-23) in the game; however with 22 turnovers for the game they could not gain enough scoring opportunities. The Wolves kept UMC at bay by shooting 64.1% from the field and sinking 13 three-pointers. Their largest lead was 56 points, 107-51 with one minute left in the game.

 

The Wolves finished strong holding the Golden Eagles to only 55 points, the second lowest point total of the season. Northern's leading scorers were Robert Thomas and Derek Hoellein with game and career highs of 18 each. Jordan King led the squad with six rebounds.

 

UMC's leading scorers were Aaron Smith, Eli McVey and Akeem Cubie with 9 points. Northern out-rebounded the Eagles 40-23, with the bench adding 58 points.