Aberdeen, S.D. – Northern State shot a whopping 61 percent from the field in the second half, outscoring the Golden Eagles by 16 in the second 20 minutes to defeat the Golden Eagles, 83-68 and earn the season split with the Golden Eagles.
Minnesota Crookston falls to 6-18 (3-15 NSIC).
The Golden Eagles would jump out to a fast start, as
Ben Hoverson (Jr., F, Grand Forks, N.D.) cashed in on a three from the right slot.
NSU would score the next nine points, but
Aguek Deng (Jr., F, Des Moines, Iowa) would score back-to-back buckets to cut the NSU lead to 12-7.
Later on in the half, NSU would take a 22-17 lead, but a three from Grant, a jumper from Deng and a free throw from
Blaize Sagna (Jr., G, London, England) would give the Golden Eagles a one point lead.
The Golden Eagles would stretch their lead to three with a
Jordan Mitchell (R-Jr., F, Columbus, Ohio) bucket in the paint.
Three point makes from Sagna and Grant would give the Golden Eagles a one point lead heading into the half, 35-35.
The second half would be a less than ideal start for the Golden Eagles.
NSU would score the first 15 points of the half, catapulted by Jacksen Moni and Josh Dilling.
The Golden Eagles would get their first bucket of the half with a
De'Antray Hughes (R-Sr., F, New Orleans La.) layup.
The Golden Eagles would try and chip away, but the Wolves would have an answer and take a lead as large as 22 and the win by 15.
The Golden Eagles had three in double figures, led by Grant's 15 points and two assists, while Hughes finished with a season-high 14 points, as well as five rebounds. Sagna added ten points.
Peter Fuchs, Jr. (R-Fr., G, Wausau, Wis.) scored nine points in his return from injury.
The Golden Eagles outrebounded Northern State, but were held to 0-8 from deep in the second half.
What's Next
The Golden Eagles will be back in action next weekend as they wrap-up their home portion of the schedule against Augustana on Friday and Wayne State College on Saturday. Tip-off with the Vikings is set for 7:30 P.M.
