Box Score (Crookston, Minn.)- Minnesota State University (MSU) took its first lead at 18:41 of the second half and never trailed again as they defeated the University of Minnesota, Crookston 74-65 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Men's Basketball action tonight at Lysaker Gymnasium in Crookston, Minn.

The Golden Eagles took a 39-38 halftime lead by shooting 58.1% (18-31) in the first half. However, Connor O'Brien made a layup for the Mavericks at 18:41 to put them up 40-39 and MSU went on a 13-2 run and never looked back. The Mavericks held a thin Golden Eagle squad to just 26.7% (8-30) shooting in the second half.

MSU had five players in double figures. O'Brien led the balanced attack scoring 14 points (7-12) with four rebounds. Jimmy Whitehead added 13 points (5-8) with five assists. Stephen Kirschbaum chipped in 12 points (4-12) with seven rebounds. Travis Meinders (4-8) and Kelly Madison (3-8) each added 11 points for the Mavericks who improve to 4-8 overall and 3-5 in the NSIC.

U of M, Crookston was led by Akeem Cubie (6-6, Sr, G/F, Minneapolis, Minn.) who led all scorers with 22 points (10-18). He also added seven rebounds. Keith Newberry, Jr. (6-7, So, F/C, Rochester Hills, Mich.) scored 12 points and (5-8) and a game high ten rebounds. Almir Krdzalic (5-11, Jr, G, Sioux Falls, S.D.) added ten points (6-6 from the free throw line), five rebounds and eight assists for the Golden Eagles who fall to 4-7 overall and 0-7 in the NSIC.

U of M, Crookston returns to NSIC action on Friday, January 7 and Saturday, January 8 when they travel to Northern State University and the University of Mary respectively. Friday's game begins at 6 p.m. while Saturday's begins at 4 p.m.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics Web site 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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