(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) raced out to a 25 point halftime lead and never looked back as the Bulldogs defeated the University of Minnesota, Crookston 68-44 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Men's Basketball opener for both squads Friday night in Duluth, Minn.

UMD shot 59.4% in the first half and held the Golden Eagles to just 29.2% from the field as they took a 46-21 lead into the locker room. U of M, Crookston outscored the Bulldogs 23-22 in the second half but it was not enough as UMD took the 68-44 victory.

The Bulldogs were led by Ryan Rasmussen who scored 27 points (10-16 from the field) with seven three-pointers and five assists. Riley Walker scored 15 points (5-10 from the field) with seven rebounds. Dylan Rodriguez added 12 points (6-7 from the field).

The Golden Eagles were led by Eric Dearden (Sr, G, Riverton, Utah) who scored 15 points (5-12 from the field) with five steals.

The University of Minnesota Duluth improves to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the NSIC. The University of Minnesota, Crookston falls to 3-1 overall and 0-1 in the NSIC.

The Golden Eagles return to NSIC action on Saturday, December 4 when they travel to Bemidji State University. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an 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: Eric Dearden