Fayette, Iowa – Minnesota Crookston men's basketball had a big second half, scoring 45 points, but Upper Iowa was able to hold off the second half rally for a 96-81 victory on Black Friday.
Minnesota Crookston falls to 1-4 on the season.
Minnesota Crookston would jump out to a 4-3 lead on paint points from
Donez Lindsey (Fr., G, Stockton, Calif.) and
Alijah Washington (R-Jr., G, San Jose, Calif.).
That would be the last lead the Golden Eagles would have on the day.
UIU would go on a 7-0 run, which would be halted by a
Brayden Carlson (So., C, Woodbury, Minn.) putback.
Later in the half, UIU would take a 25-18 lead, but a quick 4-0 scamper by the Golden Eagles would get them back within three, following a
Kazadi Mukoma, Jr., (Jr., F, Grand Island, Neb.) three.
With six minutes left in the half,
Quincy Everson (Fr., G, Goodyear, Ariz.) would bury a midrange jumper to cut the lead to just five, but that deficit would balloon to 11.
The Golden Eagles would trail by 12 following the first 20 minutes.
The early portions of the second half would be all Peacocks, as they would extend their lead all the way out to 20 with 16:58 remaining in the game.
The Golden Eagles would start to chip away. Midway through the half,
Caiden Swenby (So., G, Fertile, Minn.) would finish off a layup and
J.D. Roberts (Jr., G/F, Parkville, Mo.) would cash home a three to make it just a seven point game.
The Golden Eagles would get as close as six on two different occasions, but the Peacocks would have a punch back and pull away for the 15 point win.
Minnesota Crookston had four scorers in double-figures, led by Lindsey and Washington, who each finished with 17. Roberts had his best game off the bench, collecting his first double-double of his career with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Mukoma, Jr., scored 12 points.
Minnesota Crookston outrebounded the Peacocks by four, but had 10 turnovers compared to just five by the Peacocks, while Upper Iowa was 12-27 from long range, compared to 7-22 for the maroon and gold.
What's Next
Minnesota Crookston will look to get on the right track tomorrow afternoon at St. Cloud State for a non-conference affair. Tip-off is set for 1 PM.
