(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Men's Basketball team hosted the Wayne State College Wildcats this evening for an NSIC matchup.  The first half was close with neither team having a lead larger than six. Wayne State had the six point lead with 11:02 left in the half.  The Golden Eagles never led by more than two in the half and took a two point advantage into halftime with a 25-23 lead.  The second half was more of the same as the game went down to the wire.  Not one UMC name jumps off the stat page, but instead, everyone that was dressed this evening contributed in their own way as the Golden Eagles topped the Wildcats 55-54.
 
Minnesota, Crookston was led by Eric Dearden (G, 6-2, 185, Sr, Riverton, Utah) who earned a game-high 14 points and five rebounds. Larry Brown (F, 6-6, 185, Jr, St. Paul, Minn.) pitched in with 12 points.  Adam Hendricks (F, 6-7, 245, Sr, Watertown, Minn.) and Almer Krdzalic (G, 5-11, 155, So, Sioux Falls, S.D.) tied a game-high with three assists each. The Golden Eagles shot an impressive 51.2% from the field for the game while grabbing 29 rebounds to out rebound the Wildcats by six. UMC played strong down low tallying 34 points in the paint and 12 second chance points. Eight of nine Golden Eagles scored at least two points and grabbed at least one rebound in the contest. The Wildcats could not find an answer to the Golden Eagle defense as WSC shot just 39.5% (17-43) from the field.
 
Wayne State was led by Amry Shelby who had 13 points and three rebounds.  Ben Tasa had a game-high eight rebounds and contributed 11 points.  The Wildcats shot just 39.5% from the field for the game.
 
Minnesota, Crookston advances to 5-4 overall and 1-4 in the NSIC. Wayne State falls to 7-3 overall and 3-3 in conference play. The Golden Eagles return to the court on January 1 to play Southwest Minnesota State in Marshall, Minn. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at: www.goldeneaglesports.com.  
 
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).

Photo: Eric Dearden
 
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