(Bemidji, Minn.) – The University of Minnesota, Crookston Men’s Basketball team traveled to Bemidji, Minn. tonight to take on NSIC rival Bemidji State University. The rivalry became even more intense tonight as both teams battled into double-overtime. UMC’s Bryce Cummings (So, G, Mukwonago, Wis.) hit his first three-pointer of the game late in the second overtime to get the Golden Eagles within one point. Unfortunately, BSU fired back and forced the Golden Eagles to foul late to secure a 68-67 double-overtime victory.
Both teams started the game a little cool from the field as just 24 combined points were scored through the first 10 minutes of play. The two teams excelled in different areas of the game to produce three lead changes. Minnesota, Crookston used eight BSU turnovers to scored seven points and five offensive rebounds to tally seven second chance points. Bemidji State pushed the ball down low against UMC scoring 16 points in the paint to the Golden Eagle’s eight. Minnesota, Crookston’s Delano Robinson (So, G, Bloomington, Ill.) led all scorers in the first half with 11 points. He shot 4-5 from the field and went 2-2 from the free-throw line. Joe Paschka (Fr, C, Rosemount, Minn.) was a dominant force down low for UMC grabbing five rebounds (two offensive, three defensive) in 10 minutes of play. BSU’s Alex Smith shot 4-7 from the field to lead with Beavers with eight points and blocked two shots. Patrick Cassidy played big on the glass for Bemidji grabbing a first half high eight rebounds.
Into the second half, the fans knew they were in for a special game. Through regulation, the score was tied seven times with the lead changing five times. With five seconds left in regulation, UMC’s Delano Robinson drove the lane and tied the game with a left-handed lay-up to send the game to overtime. Through 40 minutes of play, Robinson led all scorers with 16 points and grabbed six rebounds. Joey Kollar (Sr, F, Norwood-Young America, Minn.) added 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds. The Golden Eagles scored 12 second chance points to BSU’s three in regulation. Akeem Cubie (Fr, G, Minneapolis, Minn.) had a big night on the glass for UMC grabbing eight rebounds including five offensive boards. Alex Smith and Arron Evans led the Beavers with 12 points each.
The first overtime session saw only eight total points with six of those coming at the free-throw line. The second overtime started with BSU’s Patrick Cassidy knocking down a three-point shot 23 seconds into the period. The Golden Eagles went down four until Cumming’s hit his biggest shot of the night with 2:11 left to make it 66-65. The Beavers Andre Bell was fouled with 21 seconds left and converted on both of his shots. With 1.5 seconds left Cubie grabbed his own rebound and got UMC within one. On the inbound, BSU quickly threw the ball in the air to avoid the foul and take the dramatic victory 68-67. Robinson finished the game with 19 points for the Golden Eagles. Bruce Felts (Jr, F, Bemidji, Minn.) came off the bench late in the second half to grab three rebounds including two big offensive rebounds in overtime. Aaron Evans led the Beavers with 16 points on the night. BSU’s Patrick Cassidy finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds for his first career double-double.
Minnesota, Crookston moves to 4-10 on the season and 1-4 in the NSIC. Bemidji State improves to 5-9 overall and 2-3 in conference play. UMC returns to the court on Friday, January 11 and Saturday, January 12 to host the University of Mary and Northern State University in NSIC play. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. on both nights.
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).
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