(Crookston, Minn.)- Upper Iowa University got balanced scoring, including 32 points from its bench players, to rally from a two-point halftime deficit to defeat the University of Minnesota, Crookston 71-63 tonight in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Men's Basketball action in Crookston, Minn.

The Peacocks had four players in double figures. Dan Bestul scored 13 points (5-6 from the field) with four rebounds. Tucker Wentzien scored 12 points (5-7 from the field). Neil Gross added 11 points (4-6 from the field) with six rebounds while Mike Lafrenz chipped in ten points (4-7 from the field) with six rebounds.

U of M, Crookston was led by Eric Dearden (Sr, G, Riverton, Utah) and Almir Krdzalic (So, G, Sioux Falls, S.D.) who each scored 13 points. Dearden was 5-12 from the field with five rebounds while Krdzalic was 7-8 from the free-throw line with six assists. Adam Hendricks (Sr, F, Watertown, Minn.) scored 12 points (6-9 from the field) while Mike Larsen (Sr, F, Bluffdale, Utah) added 11 points (4-7 from the field) with nine rebounds.

Upper Iowa University improves to 8-15 overall and 7-12 in the NSIC. The Golden Eagles fall to 6-17 overall and 2-17 in the NSIC.

U of M, Crookston closes out the home portion of their regular season schedule on Saturday, February 18 when they host Winona State University. Tip-off is scheduled for 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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