Box Score | Box Score (.pdf)

Northern State's first game of 2014 and first matchup of the season against an NSIC South Division opponent ended in defeat Friday night as the Wolves fell at Southwest Minnesota State 77-43.

Northern (10-3, 5-2 NSIC) shot a season-low 35.4 percent (17-for-48) in the loss. The Wolves entered the game third in the league in shooting percentage at 48.5 percent from the floor. Southwest hit 58.8 percent of its field goals in the game (30-for-51) and shot a blistering 15-of-24 (62.5 percent) in the opening half.

Seth Bachand led the Wolves with seven points and seven boards in the game. Skye Warwick added six points as did Carter Evans who returned from injury for the first time since November. Evans also had five rebounds in the loss. Tydan Storrusten and Trent Zomer each had three assists to lead NSU.

SMSU (8-5, 5-2 NSIC) scored 29 points off of a season-high 18 Northern turnovers. The Mustangs also held a 32-24 advantage in paint points and outscored the NSU bench 27-20. The Wolves were out-rebounded in the contest 32-27.

Northern returns to action Saturday as it travels to face Sioux Falls in a 6 p.m. matchup with the Cougars.