CROOKSTON, Minn. – The phrase, "You live and die by the three" was evident in Lysaker Gymnasium on Mon., Jan. 22. The Golden Eagles came into the evening looking to get their first win in five games. Out of the gates the Golden Eagles struggled to knock down shots early, as the Beavers hit their first basket of the game and did not lose the lead from there on out. UMN Crookston had one bright spot on offense and that was in the form of
Ethan Channel (Jr, G, Beaverton, Oregon). Channel's 19 points were not enough as the Golden Eagles drop their first game of the weekend against Minot State University.
This loss knocks UMN Crookston down to 1-6 and Minot State moves within one game of .500 at 3-4.
Key Plays – The Minot State Beavers got a hot start tonight jumping out to a 16-4 run to start the game. Eventually extending that run to 21-6. The Beavers' 2-3 zone defense was a lot for UMN Crookston to start. The Golden Eagles were settling for bad shots and were not making up for it on the defensive end. It was not until the four minute mark of the first half that the Golden Eagles hit their first three. It was
Quintin Winterfeldt (So., G, Waupun, Wis.) who was able to break the ice from deep. UMN Crookston went on their own run after that, putting up 17 points to the Beavers eight. Channel hit a three with 30 seconds left to bring the Golden Eagles within eight points at the half.
It was a back and forth start to begin the second half as the Golden Eagles managed to keep the game within single digits for an extended period of time. Minot State looked like they lost their fire at the half as they allowed the Golden Eagles to hang around. The Golden Eagles were able to stay in the game thanks in part to a lot of trips to the free throw line. UMN Crookston shot 20-of-27 while Minot State shot 9-16. The Beavers were able to maintain their lead by out rebounding the Golden Eagles 38-29 and by hitting their shots within the arc, shooting 55% on their two point attempts. UMN Crookston continued throughout the whole game to try and get things going from deep. The team only managed to hit five threes in 22 attempts. The Golden Eagles were able to bring the score within seven with around five minutes left in the game, but from that point on the Beavers were able to continue to hit their shots and the Golden Eagles were not.
Key Stats – The Golden Eagles were led in scoring by Channel with 19, shooting very well at an 8-of-12 clip from the field. Both
Ibu Jassey Demba (Sr., F, Birmingham, England) and
Brian Sitzmann (R-Jr., G, Savage, Minn.) added on 10. No other Golden Eagle was able to crack double digits. Channel, Jassey Demba, and Sitzmann all lead the Golden Eagles in rebounding with four.
Minot State benefited from having four double digit scorers tonight being led by Sam Ohlrich who had 20. Max Cody had 17, Melvin Newbern had 15, and Cam'ron Dunfee had 11.
What's Next – The Golden Eagles will look for revenge tomorrow Sat., Jan. 23 against Minot State at 1:30 p.m. for the second game of their season double header.
