(Crookston, Minn.)- Augustana College opened up a 12 point halftime lead and went on to defeat the University of Minnesota, Crookston 77-50 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Men's Basketball action today in Sioux Falls, S.D. It was the eighth straight victory for the Vikings who were ranked 21st in the latest American Basketball Coaches Association (ABCA) Men's Division II poll.

Augustana College never trailed in the game and led by as many as 29 points with 8:20 left in the second half. The Vikings were led by David Foster who scored 13 points (5-for-9). Kenny Brown added 11 points (3-for-10) while Cameron McCaffrey added ten points (4-for-7).

The Golden Eagles were led by Damarius Cruz (Fr, G, Plymouth, Minn.) who led all scorers with 15 points (7-for-18). He also pulled down six rebounds. Matthew Heier (Sr, G, Ray, N.D.) added 11 points (5-for-8).

Augustana College improves to 13-1 overall and 6-1 in the NSIC. The University of Minnesota, Crookston falls to 3-11 overall and 0-8 in the NSIC.

The Golden Eagles return to NSIC action on Saturday, January 16 when they travel to Minnesota State University Moorhead. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 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).

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Photo Caption: Damarius Cruz (Left), Matthew Heier (Right)