Moorhead, Minn. – Streak stoppers. The Northern State University men's basketball team snapped a 10-game win streak by No. 20 MSU Moorhead. The Dragons only league losses this season are to Northern State, which gives the Wolves sole possession of first place in the NSIC Overall and North Division standings. Although the Wolves have tallied multiple wins over the Dragons in the last few seasons, the 2022-23 sweep marks the first 2-0 regular season record since the 2017-18 season.
THE QUICK DETAILS
Final Score: NSU 72, MSUM 71
Records: NSU 13-3 (9-1 NSIC), MSUM 13-3 (8-2 NSIC)
Attendance: 3000
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Northern led for a majority of the first half, however the Dragons stormed back with under five minutes to play, ultimately holding a 36-35 lead as the two teams entered the locker room
- The Wolves dug in for the final 20 minutes of regulation and came away with a 1-point victory, following a Sam Masten driving layup with 15 seconds to play
- The NSU defense held steady in the final seconds, fending off a drive up the court and inbounds play which could have sealed the win for MSUM
- Northern out-shot MSU Moorhead in the game, hitting 29-of-63 (46.0%); including seven from beyond the arc
- In addition, the Wolves out-rebounded the Dragons and tallied a game high 16 assists, 44 points in the paint, 25 points off the bench, 12 second chance points, and 11 points off turnovers
- Four Wolves scored double figures in the game, including a team second best 15 from Josh Dilling off the bench
- Jordan Belka pulled down a game high nine rebounds and five Wolves tallied two assists or more led by Sam Masten with four
NORTHERN STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
- Jacksen Moni: 26 points, 68.8 field goal%, 5 rebounds
- Josh Dilling: 15 points, 54.5 field goal%, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
- Sam Masten: 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
- Michael Nhial: 10 points, 50.0 field goal%, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
UP NEXT
The Wolves remain on the road Friday and Saturday at Sioux Falls and Southwest Minnesota State. Game times are set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday against the Cougars and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday versus the Mustangs.
