CROOKSTON, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Crookston men's basketball team won 91-80 over the Division III College of Saint Scholastica Saints in what was their second exhibition game of the 2015-16 season. The Golden Eagles pulled out the win after being knotted up 40-40 at half time and overcoming an 11 point deficit in the second half. The men's basketball team is now 1-1 in exhibitions this season as they fell to the Division I University of Minnesota Golden Gophers last weekend. 

There were several strong performances in what lead to UMC's first victory of the season. The Golden Eagles were led by C.J. Polk (So., G, Milwaukee, Wis.) who had a dominant performance with 32 points, six rebounds, two steals, and one assist. Chase Knickerbocker (Fr., G/F, Annandale, Minn.) had a great game off the bench with 15 points and five rebounds. Nate Lorenz (Fr., F/C, Breckenridge, Minn.) recorded his first double-double of the season with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Kobe Critchley (Fr., G, Roseville, Minn.) also added nine points for the Golden Eagles.

The 40 points scored by the Golden Eagles in the first half of the game was a combined effort from the team, for eight of the nine players to enter the game made baskets. Saint Scholastica's first half performance was led by Jake Naslund and Andrew Laughlin, who together combined for 32 of the Saints 40 total halftime points.

Saint Scholastica snuck out with an early lead in the beginning of the second half which allowed them to lead by 11 points at the 14 minute mark. The Golden Eagles worked their way back in to the game as the Saints fell into foul trouble with 10 minutes left in the second half. A couple of made three pointers by the Golden Eagles allowed UMC to regain the lead at 66-65 with 7:54 left in game.  The Golden Eagles fought hard to extend their lead and come out with a 91-80 win.

Today was Saint Scholastica's first game of their 2015-16 season. Naslund lead the Saints with 29 points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Laughlin recorded his first double-double of the season with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Brandon Newman added 12 points for the Saints.

UMC will look for their next win against Jamestown College in their third and final exhibition game this season Tues., Nov. 10 at 7 P.M. in Jamestown, N.D.
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).