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

(Crookston, Minn.) – The University of Minnesota, Crookston Men’s Basketball team hosted the Upper Iowa University Peacock’s tonight at Lysaker Gymnasium. The game took an extra session to decide the victor as the Peacock’s downed the Golden Eagles 91-83 in an overtime showdown.

The Golden Eagles started the game with a 12-7 lead five minutes into the game. The full court press by the Peacock’s was effective against the Golden Eagles as they committed 11 turnovers through the first 20 minutes of play. The Peacock’s took advantage of the miscues, scoring 14 points on turnovers. Minnesota, Crookston struggled from the free-throw line as well, shooting 47 percent (8-17) in the half. UMC’s Bryce Cummings (So. G. Mukwonago, Wis.) led all scorers in the first half with 12 points. Aaron Smith (Sr., G, Cedar Rapids, Iowa) went 3-4 from the field and 2-2 from the free-throw line to help the Golden Eagles with eight points. Dan Bestul and Matt Lesan led the Peacocks with nine points in the half.

The Peacock’s went into half-time leading 46-40. The Golden Eagles stormed back in the second half as UMC cut the lead to one with a three-point basket by Matt Pelzer (Jr., G, St. Cloud, Minn.) with eight minutes remaining. With the clock winding down, Aaron Smith tied the game at 75-75 with a big three-point shot. Pelzer sent the game into overtime with a layup with only seconds left. The two teams exchanged the lead several times until UIU’s Jude Roybal hit two clutch three-pointers that sealed the game for Upper Iowa. Minnesota, Crookston had four players in double figures as Bryce Cummings led the team with 21 points and four assists. Joey Kollar (Sr., F, Norwood-Young America, Minn.) had a solid game scoring 10 points and grabbing a team high 11 rebounds for his first double-double of the season. Matt Pelzer also had a great effort tonight scoring 13 points and grabbing five rebounds and Aaron Smith finished the game with 12 points and dished out a team high five assists. Upper Iowa was led by high scorer Matt Lesan’s 23 points. He was followed by Dan Bestul’s 18 points and five assists.

The Peacock’s improved to 8-18 overall and 7-10 in NSIC play. The Golden Eagles fall to 5-21 overall and 2-15 in NSIC action. The Golden Eagle seniors round out their careers tomorrow night as they host Winona State University on senior recognition night at Lysaker Gymnasium. Tip-off for the men’s game is set for 8:00 p.m.

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 Trissilyn Clayton, Sports Information Intern)