Crookston, Minn. – Aguek Deng (Sr., F, Des Moines, Iowa) blocked a potential game-tying shot at the buzzer in overtime, propelling Minnesota Crookston to a thrilling and exhilarating three-point victory in overtime over Augustana, 74-71.
 
Minnesota Crookston moves to 4-16 (3-11 NSIC).
 
The Vikings would score the first four points of the night, but Andrew Stokes (Jr., F, Westchester, Ill.) would start his fantastic night with a pair of finishes in the paint, tying the game at four.
 
The Golden Eagles would actually take a 10-4 lead, following a pair of buckets from Reid Grant (Sr., G, Johnston, Iowa).
 
The Vikings would tie the game at 14 midway through the first half, but Brayden Carlson (Fr., C, Woodbury, Minn.) would regain the lead for the Golden Eagles with a finish in the paint.
 
Another Stokes bucket would give the Golden Eagles their largest lead of the night at eight, but the Vikings would eventually take a 30-29 lead.
 
A pair of Micah Garrett (Jr., G, Portland, Ore.) free throws would give the Golden Eagles a 35-34 lead heading into the halftime break.
 
Augustana would go on an early 6-0 run to start the half, but Grant would score five in a row, knotting the game up at 40.
 
Augustana would eventually extend their lead to 57-49, but a big bucket from Carlson and another three from Grant would cut the Viking lead to four at 59-55.
 
With less than five minutes to go, the Vikings would take a 65-58 lead, but an 8-0 run, capped off by a Garrett jumper near the rim would give the Golden Eagles a one point lead at 66-65, with less than two minutes to play.
 
With 16 seconds left in the game, Stokes would go 1-2 at the charity stripe, giving the Golden Eagles a two point lead at 68-66.
 
The Vikings wouldn't call a timeout, and the Golden Eagles would force an air ball on a potential game winner, but Sam Rensch was all alone underneath the basket, tying the game at the buzzer.
 
In the overtime, the Vikings would score the first three points, but Stokes would take over offensively with Grant fouled out, scoring four straight to give the maroon and gold a one point lead with 58 seconds left.
 
The Vikings would miss a layup, but a foul on the Golden Eagles would make it a bonus opportunity for the Vikings, but they would miss the front end of the one-and-one.
 
GD Deng (Jr., G, Des Moines, Iowa) would miss a shot on the ensuing possession, but collect his own miss and pass it to Jordan Mitchell (R-Sr., F, Columbus, Ohio), who would go two for two at the stripe and give the Golden Eagles a three-point advantage.
 
On the ensuing possession, Deng would make the play of the game, blocking a three-point attempt from Tanner Te Slaa, sealing a thrilling 74-71 win for the Golden Eagles.
 
Grant was fantastic for the second straight night, finishing with 23 points on 9-20 shooting from the field. Stokes was equally as good, collecting a double-double in the win, scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds. Mitchell added 12 points and five rebounds, but scored 11 second half points. Garrett also added 10 points and six rebounds in a season-high 39 minutes. Aguek Deng was outstanding off the bench with eight points and four boards.
 
The big number was second chance points, as the Golden Eagles won that battle, 18-8.
 
What's Next
Minnesota Crookston is back at home for a rare Wednesday game, as they host Minot State for a 5:30 P.M., tip-off.