(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Men’s Basketball team took on the Valley City State University Vikings in a non-conference match-up at Lysaker Gymnasium this evening. In the home opener, it was a battle in the post with a combined 58 points being scored in the paint. Unfortunately the Golden Eagles could not take the upper hand, as they fell 78-63.
In a very tight first half, Bryce Cummings (Soph., G, Mukwonago, Wis.) and Delano Robinson (Soph. G, Bloomington, Ill.) each had seven points. Justin Peddycoart (Jr., C, Springfield, Ill.) had six points and Joey Kollar (Sr., F, Norwood-Young America, Minn.) played a very aggressive first half, working for seven rebounds, adding two assists and a steal. Both teams went back and forth with six tie scores and five lead changes in the first half. Valley City’s Mike Stowman had 16 points in the first half along with three rebounds and a block. As a team, Valley City out-shot Minnesota, Crookston 48% to the Golden Eagles 38.7% in the first session. In the free-throw department Valley City was 13-18, while the Golden Eagles shot 7-10 from the line.
In the second half, Eric Rongen (Sr. F, Devils Lake, N.D.) had nine points bringing his game total to 11. Bryce Cummings finished the night with 12 points, two rebounds and an assist. Off the bench in the second half, Akeem Cubie (Fr., G, Minneapolis, Minn.) scored eight points, grabbed four rebounds and two steals. Joey Kollar finished with five points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Vikings guard Mike Stowman silently took over the game finishing the night with 27 points. Stowman added five rebounds, an assist and a block. The Vikings finished the day with a 52.2 shooting percentage from the field, while the Golden Eagles finished with a 37.3 shooting percentage.
Tonight’s loss drops the Golden Eagles to 0-2 on the season. The Vikings advance to 6-1 in non-conference play. UMC travels to the University of North Dakota for the UND Thanksgiving Class. The Golden Eagles play host UND on Friday, November 24 at 6:00 p.m. in the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. The game times on Saturday will be determined by tournament record.
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at: www.goldeneaglesports.com
The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Golden Eagle Hockey is a member of the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
(Story written by Matt Scheerer, Sports Information Intern)
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