Photo Gallery
Aberdeen, S.D. – The Northern State University men's basketball team is playing their best basketball as of late. The Wolves defeated the University of Sioux Falls, 73-68, in Saturday NSIC action. Northern is currently on a four game win-streak, as they move to 11-7 on the year, and 7-5 in the league.
 
Darin Peterka was solid on both ends of the floor for NSU, leading the team with 19 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. All seven of Peterka's rebounds came on the defensive side of the ball, while he added four assists. Carter Evans matched with seven rebounds of his own, and added 16 points. Evans also knocked down a team high four blocks.
 
The Wolves were on top in over 30 minutes of play, striking their largest lead of 11 points just three minutes into the second half. Sioux Falls battles back in the final 20 minutes of play coming within as close as two points with under nine minutes to play. Northern shot 52.0 percent from the floor, and held the Cougars to a 42.4 shooting percentage.
 
DJ Pollard matched his career high five assists in the win. Pollard added 16 points, four rebounds, and one steal. Spencer Pankonin added ten points and one rebound, while shooting 4-of-5 from the floor. Evans, Pollard, and Peterka each shot over 50 percent in the win, with Evans leading the way at 75.0 percent.
 
NSU recorded a total of 18 points off 15 forced turnovers by the Cougars. Mack Arvidson, Ian Smith, and Bo Fries each added two points off the bench for the Wolves. The Northern defense held USF leading scorer Mack Johnson to just six points in the loss. Johnson was averaging 16.0 points per game heading into the weekend.
 
The Wolves will be on the road the next two weekends beginning with North Division opponents Bemidji State and Minnesota Crookston. NSU will then travel south to face Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul.