Minot, N.D. – The Northern State University men's basketball team ended the regular season on a high note, with a 17-point victory over Minot State. The Wolves enter the post-season with a 22-6 record overall, after winning the NSIC Overall and North Division titles for the second straight season.
Northern cruised to their second double figure victory of the season over the Beavers after a big opening half. The Wolves out-scored Minot State 37-20 in the first 20 minutes of action, and held their largest lead of the game, 27 points, with 14:28 left in the second. NSU shot 48.3 percent from the floor, 31.3 percent from the 3-point line, and 95.0 percent from the foul line, out-shooting the Beavers.
The Wolves recorded 40 points in the paint, 21 points off the bench, ten points off turnovers, and five points off five offensive boards. They combined for five made 3-pointers, 33 rebounds, 14 assists, four steals, and one block, with four players in double figures.
Andrew Kallman led the team with 16 points, knocking down 5-of-6 from the floor and 5-of-5 from the free throw line. The sophomore added three rebounds and two assists to the team cause.
Ian Smith and
Gabe King followed with 12 points apiece. Smith recorded a team high six assists, and added six rebounds and two steals. King shot 44.4 percent from the floor and tallied three rebounds.
Bo Fries was the final Wolf in double figures, notching 11 points as well as a team leading eight rebounds. The senior shot 66.7 percent from the floor and 60.0 percent from the 3-point line. He also added four assists and two steals.
Justin Decker was third on the team with five defensive boards and added eight points.
Jordan Belka led the Wolves off the bench with eight points, hitting 4-of-7 from the floor.
Cole Dahl added five team points, while
Mason Stark and
Parker Fox each recorded four. Fox and Stark combined four five team rebounds, and Fox notched the lone block for NSU.
The Wolves men will host Concordia-St. Paul on Wednesday, February 27 in the opening round of the NSIC Tournament. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. from Wachs Arena. Click here for full fan and tournament information.
