(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) took a six point lead into halftime and withstood a University of Minnesota, Crookston rally as the Bulldogs topped the Golden Eagles 71-68 on Friday night in Duluth, Minn. It was the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) opener for both teams.

UMD used balanced scoring with four players reaching double figures. Ron White led the Bulldogs with 17 points and nine rebounds. Ryan Rasmussen scored 14 points while Steve Duncan and Rhett McDonald scored 11 and ten points respectively. UMD's bench players scored 23 points.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston was led by Akeem Cubie (Jr, G, Minneapolis, Minn.) who scored 25 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. He also added three assists, two steals and two blocked shots. Damarius Cruz (Fr, G, Plymouth, Minn.) scored 20 points and added three rebounds.

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

The University of Minnesota, Crookston returns to NSIC action on Saturday, December 5 when they travel to Bemidji State University. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.

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).

-30-