(Crookston, Minn.)- Bemidji State University took a nine point halftime lead and had five players score in double figures as the Beavers defeated the University of Minnesota, Crookston in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Men's Basketball action Saturday night in Bemidji, Minn.

The Golden Eagles led by as many as 11 points with 11:37 left in the first half before Bemidji State University caught fire. The Beavers led by as many as 21 points in the second half.

Bemidji State University was led by Bryce Tesdahl who scored 20 points and pulled down six rebounds. He also added three assists and two steals. Seth Haake scored 17 points with five rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and one steal. David Berthene (17), Lance Rongstad (13) and Jake Lindstrom (ten) also scored in double figures.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston was led Damarius Cruz (Fr, G, Plymouth, Minn.) who scored 19 points with three rebounds and two steals. Mike Larsen (Jr, F, Bluffdale, Utah) scored 14 points with four rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Akeem Cubie (Jr, G, Minneapolis, Minn.) scored ten points with four rebounds and two assists.

The Beavers improve to 4-3 overall and 1-1 in the NSIC. The Golden Eagles fall to 3-3 overall and 0-2 in the NSIC.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston returns to NSIC action on Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12 when they host Concordia University-St. Paul and St. Cloud State University respectively. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. both nights 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), Mike Larsen (Right)