(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Men's Basketball team opened up a 43-29 halftime lead and withheld a late rally from the University of Minnesota Morris as the Golden Eagles won their non-conference season opener today at Lysaker Gymnasium.

U of M, Crookston shot 56.3% through the first 20 minutes of the game building a 14 halftime cushion. The Golden Eagles scored 18 of their first half points off of turnovers. Akeem Cubie (Jr, G, Minnespolis, Minn.) scored 13 of his 18 points in the first half.

The Cougars fought hard in the second half outscoring U of M, Crookston 46-37 and pulling the game within three points with just 28 seconds remaining. However, the Golden Eagles showed their resiliency hanging tough for the 80-75 victory.

U of M, Crookston was led by Damarius Cruz (Fr, G, Plymouth, Minn.) who led the team with 21 points. In addition to Cubie's 17 points, Matthew Heier (Sr, G, Ray, N.D.) added ten points for the Golden Eagles.

The University of Minnesota Morris was led by Eric Dalbey who led all scorers with 32 points. Ryan Denny added 11 for the Cougars.

The University of Minnesota Morris falls to 1-2 overall while the Golden Eagles start the year at 1-0. The University of Minnesota, Crookston will return to action on Sunday, November 22 when they play host to Jamestown College in a non-conference game. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. at Lysaker Gymnasium.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics Web site at http://www.goldeneaglesports.com/.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

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Photo Caption: Damarius Cruz (Left), Akeem Cubie (Right)