Crookston, Minn. – Minnesota Crookston cut a halftime deficit of 20 to just eight midway through the second half against No. 2 MSU Moorhead, but the Dragons staved off the pesky Golden Eagles on Thursday night for the 84-67 victory in Lysaker Gymnasium.
 
Minnesota Crookston falls to 3-7 (0-5 NSIC) on the season.
 
Neither team would score the first minute and a half into the game, but Dane Zimmer would break the ice with a layup for a quick 2-0 lead. Blaize Sagna (Jr., G, London, England) would answer with the first two of his career-high 38 points.
 
Back-to-back buckets from Jordan Mitchell (R-Jr., F, Columbus, Ohio) would cut the Golden Eagle deficit to one at 7-6.
 
Throughout the first half, the Dragons would extend their lead and eventually take a 26-14 lead before another Mitchell layup cut the lead to just 10.
 
MSUM would take a 32-21 lead, but a quick 4-0 scamper by Sagna would get the Golden Eagles back within seven at 32-25.
 
MSUM would end the half with a 9-0 to take a 49-29 lead heading into the halftime break.
 
The second half would start perfectly for the maroon and gold, who would score on their first five possessions, including buckets from Reid Grant (Jr., G, Johnston, Iowa) and Ben Hoverson (Jr., F, Grand Forks, N.D.).
 
MSUM would later on take a 56-41 lead, but the Golden Eagles would go on a 11-4 run, capped off by a tough Sagna jumper to cut the lead to 60-52 with 9:25 remaining in the game.
 
MSUM would then go on a large run of their own, extending their lead to 76-54, before Sagna would bury the first three of the game for the Golden Eagles.
 
MSUM would finish the Golden Eagles off for the 17 point victory.
 
Sagna was outstanding, scoring 30 or more points for the third straight time at home, adding a career-high 36 points on 14-26 shooting from the field. Mitchell added a season-high 14 points and six rebounds, while also dishing out three assists. Hoverson and Reid each added seven and six, respectively. Mario Adams (Fr., F, Rosemount, Minn.) found the score sheet for the first time of his career, adding two points on the night.
 
What's Next
Minnesota Crookston will host Northern State on Saturday afternoon at home. Tip-off with the Wolves is set for 1 P.M.