Crookston, Minn. – The University of Sioux Falls shot 50 percent from long range and controlled much of the game on Saturday afternoon, as they defeated Minnesota Crookston, 85-66. The Cougars snapped a four-game losing streak.
Minnesota Crookston falls to 3-11 overall (2-6 NSIC).
Andrew Stokes (Jr., F, Westchester, Ill.) would score the first three points for the Golden Eagles, but the Golden Eagles would see another quick deficit, trailing 8-3.
Reid Grant (Sr., G, Johnston, Iowa) would get the Golden Eagles within three at 12-9, but the Cougars would score six in a row and make it an 18-9 game, forcing a Bryan Beamish timeout.
USF would eventually extend their lead to 28-15, but
Chandler Meeks (R-So., G, Omaha, Neb.) would drill a mid-range jumper and
Christian Bowen-Webb (Jr., G, Atchison, Kan.) would knock down a three, cutting the Cougar lead to 28-20.
USF would take a 45-32 lead heading into the halftime break.
The second half would see the Cougars score the first four points, but Meeks would get the Golden Eagles on the board in the second half.
USF would take a 57-42 lead midway through the half, but
Micah Garrett (Jr., G, Portland, Ore.) would drain a mid-range and
Brayden Carlson (Fr., C, Woodbury, Minn.) would finish through contact for a chance at a three-point play, but would miss the free throw.
A pair of
Jordan Mitchell (R-Sr., F, Columbus, Ohio) free throws would cut the Cougar lead to just nine at 59-50.
From that point, it would be all Cougars, who would pull away with the long ball and earn the 19-point win.
Meeks led the way with 16 points, while Grant added 14 points and four rebounds. Garrett scored nine points and pulled down three rebounds, while Mitchell poured in seven points and grabbed nine rebounds.
Minnesota Crookston was also 50 percent from long range, shooting 7-14 from long range in the game.
What's Next
Minnesota Crookston is back in action next weekend on the road for the first of four straight away games, as they head to Winona State for a 7:30 P.M., tip-off on Friday.
