(Crookston, Minn.) – The University of Minnesota, Crookston Men’s Basketball team hosted #3 Winona State University on senior recognition night at Lysaker Gymnasium this evening. WSU’s Jonte Flowers’ quick hands sparked a Golden Eagle turnover barrage in the 115-77 Winona State victory.
Minnesota, Crookston kept pace with the Warriors through the first 18 minutes of play. Both teams shot over 50 percent from the field, however Winona caused 10 UMC turnover en route to 17 extra points to help extend their lead to 57-37 at the half. WSU used those turnovers to go on a 9-2 run in the final two minutes. Winona’s Jonte Flowers led all scorers with 19 points. He went 7-9 from the field and 5-6 at the free-throw line. Defensively, he started his stellar night with four steals. Flowers was followed by David Johnson’s 12 points and John Smith’s 10 points and eight rebounds in the half. The Golden Eagles were led by the duo of Aaron Smith (Sr, G, Cedar Rapids, Iowa) and Akeem Cubie (Fr, G, Minneapolis, Minn.) who scored seven points each in the half. Smith added four assists to his offensive output as well.
The Warriors went into half leading 57-37. The show offensively didn’t stop for Winona as they went on a 14-2 run three minutes into the second half . The Warriors continued their hot shooting and midway through the half they gained their biggest lead of the night at 38 points with ten minutes remaining in the game. The Golden Eagles finished the game with 21 turnovers and the Warriors converted 36 points off of those miscues. Seniors Aaron Smith ( Sr., G, Cedar Rapids, IA), Joey Kollar (Sr., F, Norwood-Young America, Minn.), Eric Rongen (Sr., G, Devils Lake, N.D.), Jake Freeman (Sr., F, Cambridge, Minn.), Jordan Grafsgaard (Sr., F, Ulen, Minn.) and Eli McVey (Sr., G, Princeton, Minn.) all had solid games but it turned out not to be enough to hold off #3 ranked Winona Sate. Minnesota, Crookston was led by Cubie who finished the night with 11 points. McVey tallied 10 points and three assist in his final outing as a Golden Eagle. The Winona State show came in the form of Jonte Flowers who finished the game with 36 points and an outstanding 10 steals for the double-double. John Smith and David Johnson followed Flowers with 19 and 14 points respectively. Smith was one rebound away from his own double-double, finishing the game with nine boards.
The Golden Eagles finish the season 5-22 overall and 2-16 in the NSIC. Winona State advances to 29-1 overall and a perfect 18-0 in conference play.
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)
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