(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Men's Basketball team hits the road for Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) play for the second straight week on Friday, February 5 and Saturday, February 6. The Golden Eagles travel to Mankato and Marshall, Minn. to face Minnesota State University, Mankato and Southwest Minnesota State University respectively. Both games tip-off at 8 p.m.

The Golden Eagles have been playing without three starters for several weeks and dropped games last weekend at the University of Mary (85-71) and Northern State University (76-65) despite valiant comeback efforts. U of M, Crookston holds an overall record of 3-16 and NSIC record of 0-13. They are led by Damarius Cruz (Fr, G, Plymouth, Minn.) who is averaging 17.7 (99-for-227) points per game. Matthew Heier (Sr, G, Ray, N.D.) is averaging 9.4 (47-for-120) points per game.

Golden Eagles @ Minnesota State University, Mankato  Friday, February 5  8 p.m.

The Mavericks have an overall record of 19-1 and NSIC record of 12-1 after defeating Bemidji State University (108-66) and the University of Minnesota Duluth (79-65) at home this past weekend. Minnesota State University, Mankato was ranked fifth in the latest National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) poll and second in the latest NCAA Central Region poll. They are led by Travis Nelson who is averaging 16.8 (128-for-213) points and six rebounds per game. Jefferson Mason is averaging 15 points (107-for-165) points and 8.5 rebounds per game. The Mavericks defeated the Golden Eagles by an 83-62 score in Crookston back on January 2.

Golden Eagles @ Southwest Minnesota State University Saturday, February 6  8 p.m.

The Mustangs have an overall record of 11-8 and NSIC record of 6-7 after defeating the University of Minnesota Duluth (63-47) and Bemidji State University (71-67) at home this past weekend. They are led by Scott Roehl who is averaging 13.3 (93-for-190) points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Jordan Miller is averaging 11.5 (69-for-171) points per game. The Mustangs defeated the Golden Eagles by an 84-64 score in Crookston on January 3.

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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