Aberdeen, S.D. – The No. 18 Northern State University men's basketball team will face off against Minnesota Duluth this afternoon in the NSIC Tournament semifinals. Tip-off is set for 4:30 p.m. between the Wolves and Bulldogs.
 
GAME & FAN INFORMATION

• Live video, audio, and stat links are available above or on the full schedule on nsuwolves.com
• Tickets can be purchased at the door on game day or at the Ticketmaster link HERE
• For full tournament details visit the NSIC Tournament page above

 
NORTHERN STATE STORYLINES

• The Wolves enter the semifinal round with a 24-5 record overall, as the NSIC Overall and North Division Championships
• Four Wolves were honored on the NSIC All-Conference teams last week with Sam Masten named the North Division Player of the Year, Saul Phillips named the Coach of the Year, and Jacksen Moni and Jordan Belka named to the first and second teams
• Northern is averaging 80.8 points, 35.0 rebounds, 16.4 assists, 8.6 turnovers, 5.1 steals, and 3.5 blocks per game; out-scoring their opponents by 10.4 points per contest
• They are shooting 47.2% from the floor, 37.8% from the 3-point line, and 79.1% from the foul line this season
• In addition, NSU ranks in the top-10 nationally in free throw percentage (79.1), 3-pointers per game (11.5), and assist/turnover ratio (1.91)
• Masten leads all five starters averaging double figures, notching 18.2 points per game, as well as a team leading 7.0 rebounds per game
• Masten is shooting at a 56.8% clip to lead the team, while Augustin Reede leads the team from 3-point line shooting 44.4% with 84 made buckets
• Belka is second on the team pulling down 6.3 rebounds per contest and adding 13.3 points per game
• Moni, Reede, and Dilling are adding 15.4, 11.7, and 10.3 points per game respectively
• Masten and Dilling are an assist tag-team with 184 and 91 assists this season, averaging 6.3 and 3.1 per game respectively

 
MINNESOTA DULUTH STORYLINES

• The Bulldogs enter the match-up with a 22-8 record overall and 2-0 mark in the post-season
• UMD is averaging 81.4 points, 35.7 rebounds, 13.0 assists, 10.6 turnovers, 5.9 steals, and 3.1 blocks per game; out-scoring and out-rebounding their opponents by 8.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per contest
• They are shooting 49.1% from the floor, 35.8% from the 3-point line, and 69.2% from the foul line this season
• The Bulldogs top four leading scorers are each grabbing five rebounds or more per game this season led by Austin Andrews notching 5.8
• Drew Blair leads four of the five starters averaging double figures, notching 19.7 points per game, as well as 5.0 rebounds per game
• Charlie Katona is second on the team adding 12.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game and shooting 55.4% from the floor
• Andrews is shooting a team best 58.2% from the floor, while Joshua Strong leads the team from the 3-point line shooting at a 41.4% clip

 
LAST MEETING

• The Wolves are 2-0 this season against the Bulldogs notching wins with scores of 75-73 and 89-75
• Moni led the team in the road victory with 27 points, while Sam Masten and Jordan Belka each tallied double-doubles
• Masten recorded 26 points to lead the team at home, while Josh Dilling dished out nine assists
• Northern is 43-43 all-time against Minnesota Duluth