Game Notes

Gameday Info

Away Team: University of Minnesota, Crookston (3-17, 0-16 NSIC)
Home Team: Concordia University, St. Paul (5-15, 3-13 NSIC)
Date: Fri., Feb. 7
Arena: Gangelhoff Center
Live Stats: http://www.cugoldenbears.com/sports/2012/10/12/MBB_1012123535.aspx
Away Team: University of Minnesota, Crookston (3-17, 0-16 NSIC)
Home Team: Minnesota State University (18-2, 14-2 NSIC)
Date: Sat., Feb. 8
Arena: Taylor Center
Live Stats: http://www.msumavericks.com/schedule.aspx?path=mbball
Twitter: UMCAthletics
Facebook: Golden Eagle Sports

Quick Hits


•Dishing it Up
    Almir Krdzalic has stepped up his game overall and especially in his role of a point guard as of late. The senior from Sioux Falls, S.D. is averaging 4.75 assists per game in the last eight games and has upped his season average to 3.7 assists per game. Krdzalic had a season-high seven assists against Northern State University earlier this season. Krdzalic is currently ranked sixth in the NSIC for assists. He tallied six assists in his alst game out against Southwest Minnesota State In addition, Krdzalic is slowly closing in on the school record for career assists. The senior has 259 assists and is just 39 dishes behind Lee Roberts' school record of 298 which is feasible to accomplish in the six games left.

•From Downtown...
    UMC has really stepped it up from beyond the arc in the last 13 games as the Golden Eagles have five or more made treys during 12 of those contests. UMC hit a season-high 10 threes against Augustana Jan. 12 and were 9-of-17 for 52.9 percent against MSU Moorhead Jan. 4. Prior to the Minot State game Dec. 14, the Golden Eagles had not hit more than four treys in a game. UMC comes into Friday shooting 33.3 percent fro mthree as a team led by Tim Lubke's 47.6 percent.

•Looking to Get on a Winning Track
    The Golden Eagles remain winless in the NSIC and are currently on a 17-game losing streak with their last win coming Nov. 20 at Mayville State. UMC has been close several times in the losing streak as five of the losses have been by eight points or less including a last second one-point loss to U-Mary and a five-point loss to MSU Moorhead. UMC will look to snap the skid against No. 5 Minnesota State University and Concordia Unviersity, St. Paul.

• An Added Spark
    A.J. Barge saw his most extensive playing time in last Saturday's game against Southwest Minnesota State. Barge, the starting quarterback for the football team during the last two seasons, joined the basketball team at semester break. Barge scored five points against the Mustangs. During Barge's time in the game, UMC was unable to cut their deficit from 10 points to two. Barge has scored 15 points since joining the team in January.

The Scoop

    The University of Minnesota, Crookston will trek to Concordia University, St. Paul and No. 5 Minnesota State University, Mankato this weekend. The Golden Eagles will look to snap their 17-game losing streak against the Golden Bears and Mavericks.


Previewing the Golden Eagles
    Men
    The University of Minnesota, Crookston comes into the weekend with a 3-17 (0-16 NSIC) mark. The Golden Eagles have come close in several contests this season but are still looking for their first NSIC win. UMC is led by junior college transfer Brandon Burns' 11.3 points per game. Almir Krdzalic has added 9.1 points per game and has stepped up his game as an assist man as of late with 3.7 assists per game. Krdzalic is closing in on the school record for career assists. Ashton Harrell has also been more productive of late averaging 7.8 points per game. The Golden Eagles are shooting 41.1 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. UMC is being out-rebounded 32.2 to 29.3 this season. Forward James Sparkman leads the team with 5.2 rebounds per game while Abdou Niang is averaging 4.6 boards per game.
   
Previewing the Golden Bears

    Men
    Concordia University, St. Paul comes into the weekend in last place in the NSIC South Division with a 5-15 (3-13 NSIC) mark. The Golden Bears beat the University of Mary in their last game and have now won two of their last three games with a win against Wayne State College (Neb.) Jan. 26. Concordia has three players averaging double-figures. Sophomore guard Terez VanPelt leads the team with 19.0 points per game. Cole Olstad is averaging 15.2 points per game while Isaiah Thomas is averaging 11.3 points per game. The Golden Bears are shooting 43.6 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from three led by Cordell Smith's 41.7 percent.


Previewing the Mavericks

    Men
    The Minnesota State University, Mankato Mavericks are currently ranked No. 5 in the nation with an 18-2 (14-2 NSIC) mark. The Mavericks swept last weekend with wins over University of Mary and Minot State University. Their last loss came Jan. 26 against Augustana College (S.D.). The Mavericks are led by several transfers with University of Wisconsin-Green Bay transfer Jarvis Williams' 15.0 points per game. South Dakota State University transfer Zach Monaghan is averaging 12.5 points per game. Monaghan has been one of the best point guards in the nation with 5.6 assists per contest. Assem Marei is also averaging double figures with 13.4 points per game. The Mavericks are shooting 48.7 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from three.