Crookston, MN - The Northern State men's basketball team (11-4, 7-2 NSIC) defeated the University of Minnesota Crookston (7-8, 3-6 NSIC) 97-60 Friday night as they continue their hunt for first place in the North Division.
 
Northern has dominated Minnesota Crookston since the two teams first faced off in 1994, obtaining an all-time record of 33-2 against the Golden Eagles. This theme continued Friday night as the Wolves walked all over UMC in a 97-60 victory.
 
The game was a back and forth struggle in the opening minutes as neither team was able to go on a run. However, midway through the half the Wolves managed to find a rhythm, at one point scoring ten unanswered to build a double digit lead.
 
The 3-point shot was a critical factor for NSU in the first half. The Wolves managed a 50.0% success rate from beyond the arc while holding their opponents to just 10.0%, allowing Northern to open up a 40-27 lead entering halftime. 
 
Northern remained dominant to start the second half, increasing their advantage from 12 to 22 in the first five minutes.
 
Meanwhile, Northern's defense held Minnesota Crookston to just 33.3% from the floor and a mere 12.5% from the 3-point line. With seven minutes left in regulation and a 30-point lead; coach Phillips sent in the bench players who closed out the night on cruise control.
 
Northern shot well all night, going 56.7% from the floor, 50.0% from beyond the arc and 80.0% from the foul line. 38 of their points came from the paint, 22 from turnovers and 37 off the bench.
 
leading the Wolves in scoring was Parker Fox with 24 points and 11 rebounds and Mason Stark with 17 points and four assists. Meanwhile, Jordan Belka had the best game of his career, leading the team off the bench with a career high 16 points along with five rebounds.
 
Cole Dahl and Gabe King also managed double digit point totals with 13 and 11 respectively. Scoring four points for the Wolves were Tommy Chatman and Andrew Kallman, who also combined for ten assists.
 
Rounding out the scoreboard were Gus Reede, Ethan Kranhold and Roko Dominovic with three, three and two points respectively.
 
Northern's next game will be tomorrow at Bemidji State. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at BSU Gymnasium on January 11.