Aberdeen, S.D. – The No. 13 Northern State University men's basketball team handily defeated Minot State 75-56 from Wachs Arena. The Wolves rolled to their tenth straight NSIC victory, as well as 15^th straight win, improving to 16-1 overall and 10-0 in the league.
 
The Wolves broke out to a quick start in the first half, notching 45 points to the Beavers 26. Minot battled back in the second, but was unable to overcome the 19-point deficit. NSU held their largest lead of 24 points with 12 minutes remaining in regulation.
 
As a team the Wolves shot 57.1 percent from the floor, 56.3 percent from the 3-point line, and 66.7 percent from the foul line. Defensively they held the Beavers to a 39.6 field goal percentage and 26.7 3-point percentage. NSU out-rebounded Minot 32-27, notching six points off five offensive boards. Northern added 42 points in the paint, ten points off turnovers, nine points off the bench, and two fast break points.
 
Ian Smith led the team with 17 points, knocking down 7-of-10 from the floor including a team second best two made 3-pointers. Smith added three rebounds, three assists, and three steals. DJ Pollard followed close behind with 16 points and a team second best six rebounds. Pollard also hit a team second best two long range buckets and added three assists and one steal. Gabe King was the final Wolf in double figures with 15 points. The sophomore 75.0 percent from the floor, with a team leading three made 3-pointers, as well as two assists, one block, and one steal.
 
Darin Peterka and Logan Doyle each notched nine points, rounding out the NSU starting five. Doyle notched a team leading seven rebounds, while Peterka tallied six. The seniors combined for four assists, one block, and one steal.
 
Carter Evans led the team off the bench with four points, two rebounds, two steals, and one block. He was followed by Bo Fries and Justin Decker with three and two points respectively. Andrew Kallman hit the floor for eight minutes, notching a team second best two assists.
 
Northern returns to action next Friday and Saturday from Wachs Arena as they take on Wayne State and Augustana. Kick-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Friday and 6 p.m. on Saturday.