(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Men's Basketball squad rallied from a 19 point halftime deficit outscoring the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) 52-49 in the second half. However, it was too little as the Bulldogs defeated the Golden Eagles 95-79 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Men's Basketball action tonight in Crookston, Minn.

UMD shot a blistering 61.1% (33-54) for the game. Ryan Rasmussen led the Bulldogs and all scorers with 36 points (12-19 from the field) including five three-pointers. He scored 21 points in the first half. Brett Ervin scored 17 points (5-7 from the field). Jake Hottenstine added 12 points (4-11 from the field) with six rebounds while Peter Crawford added 11 points (5-6 from the field) with five rebounds.

U of M, Crookston was led by Larry Brown (Jr, F, St. Paul, Minn.) who scored 18 points (6-13 from the field) with five rebounds and five assists. Almir Krdzalic (So, G, Sioux Falls, S.D.) added 15 points (5-8 from the field) with four assists while Eric Dearden (Sr, G, Riverton, Utah) chipped in 14 points (6-14 from the field) with three assists.

The Bulldogs improve to 9-13 overall and 7-11 in the NSIC. The Golden Eagles fall to 6-16 overall and 2-16 in the NSIC.

U of M, Crookston closes out the home portion of its regular season schedule on Friday, February 18 and Saturday, February 19 against Upper Iowa University and Winona State University respectively. Friday's game tips-off at 8 p.m. while Saturday's begins at 6 p.m.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

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