CROOKSTON, Minn.  – The University of Minnesota, Crookston men's basketball will look to build off a strong start to the season as they head to Mayville, N.D. to take on Mayville State University Tuesday at Lewy Lee Field House at 7 p.m. The Golden Eagles come into the game with a 2-0 record after picking up non-conference victories over Presentation College and Finlandia University to open the season. Mayville State comes into Tuesday with a 3-2 overall mark on the season.

The Golden Eagles have been led so far this season by junior college transfer Brandon Burns (Jr., F, Baton Rouge, La.), who comes in averaging 18.0 points through two games with UMC. Three other players are averaging double-figure scoring so far this season for the Golden Eagles. Almir Krdzalic (Sr., G, Sioux Falls, S.D.) is averaging 14.5 points per game while fellow senior Justin Rake (G, Petal, Miss.) is averaging 12.5 points per game. Redshirt Junior James Sparkman (F, Ypsilanti, Mich.) comes into Tuesday averaging 12.5 points per game. Senior Abdou Niang (F, Dakar, Senegal) is coming off a school-record 22 rebound performance last week against Finlandia University. Niang leads the Golden Eagles in rebounding so far this season with 14.5 boards per game.

Mayville State has been led this season by 6-4 senior forward Steven Ivory, Jr., who is averaging 16.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. He is joined by three others players who are averaging double-figure scoring. Austin Emerson, a 6-2 senior guard, is averaging 14.6 points per game while Matt Baudin, a 6-1 sophomore guard, and Sam Hyman, a 6-3 sophomore guard, are each averaging 11.0 points per game. The Comets played two exhibitions last week, falling to North Dakota State University 73-40 and to University of Mary 79-63. Their last regular-season game was Nov. 13 in a victory over Trinity Bible College.

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).