Sioux Falls, S.D. – The Northern State men's basketball team (13-4, 9-2 NSIC) took on Augustana University (11-6, 6-5 NSIC) and came out on top 82-77 for their fourth straight win.
 
With under 30 seconds remaining in regulation, Northern was barely holding on to a 1-point lead. However, Mason Stark came up clutch yet again for the Wolves, cashing in a contested floater with 20 seconds remaining to extend Northern's lead beyond reach.
 
The Wolves were cashing in their 3-point shots early, as four Northern players combined to go 6-of-9 from beyond the arc in the first nine minutes of regulation. Despite the success of the long ball Augustana managed to keep pace, always staying within striking distance of the lead.
 
Every time Northern built up a decent lead Augustana quickly closed the gap, and with less than 30 seconds in the first half the Wolves led by just two points. However, Parker Fox ended the half with a break away slam-dunk, bringing the score to 41-37 at halftime.
 
Augustana wasted no time taking their first lead of the game after the break, scoring nine points in the first three minutes to Northern's three. A couple of hard-hitting dunks from Parker Fox gave the Wolves new life however, enabling them to keep pace and take back the lead with ten minutes remaining.
 
For the remainder of the game neither team could take control, as the lead seemed to swap with every possession. However, like they have all season, the Wolves came up clutch when they needed to, closing out the game for their fourth straight win.
 
Northern shot 47.5% from the floor, 42.3% from the 3-point line and 71.4% from the foul line. 30 of their points came from the paint, 17 off of turnovers and nine from the bench.
 
Despite fouling out late in the game, Parker Fox lead the Wolves in scoring with 21 points, as well as getting six steals. Just behind was Andrew Kallman, going 7-of-12 for 20 points. Also getting in the double digits was Mason Stark, with 16 points and a team high of four assists.
 
Meanwhile, Tommy Chatman and Gabe King each scored eight points and combined for five rebounds. Rounding out the scoresheet were Jordan Belka and Cole Dahl, scoring three and six points respectively.
 
 
 
 
With Minnesota Duluth losing to Minnesota State on Friday night, Northern's win now moves them to first place in the NSIC North Division and second in the NSIC overall.
 
Northern will hope to extend their lead in the North Division tomorrow versus Wayne State. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. from Rice Auditorium on January 18.