UMC Golden Eagle News Archive:
June 6, 2006 - July 1, 2009

(Marshall, Minn.)- An injured Golden Eagle Men’s Basketball team took to the court tonight to take on the Mustangs of Southwest Minnesota State University. Minnesota, Crookston put together a second half comeback, but the early deficit was too much to overcome as the Mustangs defeated the Golden Eagles 54-41.

Minnesota, Crookston felt the pressure tonight with the absence of starters Delano Robinson (So, G, Bloomington, Ill.) and Justin Peddycoart (Jr, C, Springfield, Ill.) who were out due to injuries. The five faces on the court for the Golden Eagles struggled to fire on all cylinders early as they turned the ball over 11 times. The Mustangs on the other hand shot 9-14 from the field in the first 13 minutes to take a 31-20 halftime lead. SW Minnesota State’s Matt Fletcher was the only player to score in double-figures with 12 first half points. Leading the way for the Golden Eagles were Aaron Smith (Sr, G, Cedar Rapids, Iowa) and Eli McVey (Sr, G, Princeton, Minn.) who scored five points each in the first half.

The Golden Eagles rallied in the second half as the Mustang’s only shot 25 percent from the field. Unfortunately, 21 Minnesota, Crookston turnovers led to 22 Mustangs points in the game which halted the late Golden Eagle rally. Leading all scorers was SMSU’s Matt Fletcher who scored 17 points on the night. McVey had an impressive night for Minnesota, Crookston, scoring 10 points while snagging four steals. Matt Pelzer (Jr, G, St. Cloud, Minn.) played above the rim tonight, leading the Golden Eagles with seven rebounds.

Tonight’s loss moves the Golden Eagles to 4-15 overall and 1-9 in the NSIC play, while the Mustangs advance to 11-8 overall and 6-4 in NSIC play. The Golden Eagles return to the court tomorrow night as they battle the Wayne State (Neb.) Wildcats at Wayne State College. Tip-off is set for 8 PM. The game will be carried on KROX- 1260 AM (http://www.umcrookston.edu/people/services/MediaServ/stream.htm).

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).