Winona, Minn. – The Northern State University men's basketball team rolled to their second straight victory over a South Division opponent on Saturday evening, defeating Winona State 79-68. Northern improves to 11-3 overall and 7-1 in the NSIC following the weekend sweep.
Northern led for over 75.0 percent of the contest, notching 45 points in the first and another 34 in the second. The Wolves out-shot and out-rebounded the Warriors in the win, adding 19 assists, 10 made 3-pointers, two blocks, and one steal. They tallied 31 rebounds to Winona's 27 and shot 58.0 percent from the floor, 47.6 percent from the arc, and 91.7 percent from the free throw line.
Defensively the Wolves held the Warriors to 35.7 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from the 3-point line. As a team, they recorded 34 points in the paint, 19 points off the bench, four points off turnovers, and two points from their only offensive board of the game.
Bo Fries led the team and matched his career high of 18 points. The senior added a team high eight rebounds, and shot 71.4 percent from the floor and 60.0 percent from the 3-point line, with three made from beyond the arc.
Ian Smith and
Andrew Kallman each tallied a team second best 11 points. Smith led the team with five assists, and added four rebounds. Kallman notched two rebounds and one assist of his own.
Gabe King and
Justin Decker rounded out the starting five, who were all in double figures, with ten points each. King dished out four assists of his own, and knocked down two long range buckets.
Parker Fox led the Wolves off the bench with eight points and a team second best seven rebounds. The redshirt freshman was one of four Wolves to shoot 66.7 percent from the floor, and added two assists.
Jordan Belka and
Mason Stark were the final point scorers in the win with six and five apiece.
The Wolves return home next Friday and Saturday, resuming North Division play with Minnesota Crookston and Bemidji State. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday versus the Golden Eagles and 6 p.m. on Saturday against the Beavers.
