Marshall, Minn. – Minnesota Crookston jumped out to a fast start, but Southwest Minnesota State had a strong first half finish, propelling the Mustangs to a 77-62 victory on Saturday, in Marshall.
 
Minnesota Crookston falls to 5-21 (4-16 NSIC).
 
SMSU would score the first four in the game, but the Golden Eagles would score eight in a row of their own, as Jordan Mitchell (R-Sr., F, Columbus, Ohio), Andrew Stokes (Jr., F, Westchester, Ill.) and Brayden Carlson (Fr., F, Woodbury, Minn.) would all score in that stretch.
 
Reid Grant (Sr., G, Johnston, Iowa) would put the exclamation on an extended 15-2 run, hitting a three and giving the Golden Eagles a 15-6 lead.
 
Late in the half, SMSU would retake a 23-22 lead, but that would last just one possession, as Stokes would finish in the paint to retake the one point advantage.
 
SMSU would outscore the Golden Eagles 18-7 from that point and would take a 10 point advantage into the break.
 
Early on in the final half, SMSU would extend their lead to 13, but the Golden Eagles would chip away.
 
Minnesota Crookston would cut into the lead and get as close as five following a Landon Dimler (Fr., F, Mankato, Minn.) layup.
 
That would be as close as the Golden Eagles would get, as the Mustangs proved to be too much down the stretch, earning the 15 point win.
 
Stokes had a career night, finishing with 21 points and seven rebounds, while making a career high 10 shots from the field. Mitchell added 11 points, while Grant added eight points. Dimler came off the bench and poured in seven points.
 
A theme this season has been opponents cashing in at the free throw line this season, as the Mustangs shot 20 more free throws than the Golden Eagles and made 22 more than the Golden Eagles.
 
What's Next
Minnesota Crookston is back in action for one final time next weekend, as the Golden Eagles welcome in Minnesota Duluth on Friday night as a part of senior weekend. Tip-off is set for 5:30 P.M.