Box Score (Crookston, Minn.) The University of Minnesota, Crookston Men's Basketball team returned to Lysaker Gymnasium this afternoon to take on the Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) in a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) match-up. The Dragons had received votes in the latest National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Poll.

MSUM jumped out to a quick four-point lead only to see the Golden Eagles go on a 7-0 run to take the lead back. The big men for the U of M, Crookston seemed to pose a threat for the Dragons, but MSUM countered with their tremendous shooting from beyond the arc in the first half (7-12). Both teams fought hard to make for a very competitive first half that consisted of five lead changes with the Dragons pulling ahead to end the first half with a score of 38-36.  

The second half was a nail-biter with the two teams trading baskets and the Golden Eagles taking a one point lead with only five minutes left in the game. It looked like MSUM had the game wrapped up until U of M, Crookston's  Justin Rake (6-3, So, G, Petal, Miss.) sank a three-pointer with a minute left in the game to give the Golden Eagles a two-point lead.  After losing the lead to a pair of Dragon free throws, Keith Newberry Jr. (6-7, So, F, Rochester Hills, Mich.) clinched the game with a put-back two-point shot and a defensive rebound with seven seconds left to end the game with a final score of 82-79. Fourteen missed free throws plagued the Dragons throughout the loss.

U of M, Crookston (6-12 overall, 2-12 NSIC) was led this evening by Akeem Cubie (6-6, Sr, F, Minneapolis, Minn.) who tallied 19 points (8-14) and eight rebounds. Newberry also continues to impress by not only shattering a backboard with a dunk during practice earlier this week but also by making his presence down low known by playing a physical game and tallying 16 points and recording ten rebounds. Almir Krdzalic (5-11, Jr, G, Sioux Falls, S.D.) scored 14 points (6-14) and dished out seven assists. Jacolby Anderson (6-1, Sr, G, Lancaster, Tex.) (4-11) and Rake (4-10) each added ten points.

MSUM (13-5 overall, 9-5 NSIC) was led by Andrew Vanhavermaet who scored 18 points. He was 6-10 from the field and 4-7 from beyond the arc. Jake Driscoll and Jake Lindfors also put up double digit points with Driscoll recording 13 points (3-3) and Lindfors putting up 13 points (3-8) and eight rebounds.

The Golden Eagles return to the court next weekend when they return to Lysaker Gymnasium to take on the University of Mary and Northern State University in a pair of NSIC games. Friday's game begins at 8 p.m. while Saturday's game begins at 6 p.m.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at: www.goldeneaglesports.com.   

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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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