(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Men's Basketball team opened up a nine-point halftime lead over Upper Iowa University. However, the Peacocks tied the game with Trevor Hook's three-point shot with two seconds remaining before being outscored 14-7 in overtime as the Golden Eagles took a 73-66 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) victory tonight in Fayette, Iowa.

The Golden Eagles led 32-29 at the half by holding Upper Iowa to 25.9% shooting (7-27 from the field) and saw their lead increase to as many as 17 points in the second half before the Peacocks mounted a furious rally outscoring U of M, Crookston 36-27 while shooting 61.9% (13-21 from the field) to force overtime.

Matt Lesan led the Peacocks with 20 points (6-11 from the field). Dan Bestul added ten points (4-8 from the field) with seven rebounds while Sam Elgin added ten points (2-5 from the field) with four rebounds.

The Golden Eagles were led by Eric Dearden (Sr, G, Riverton, Utah) and his second straight solid performance. He scored 26 points (7-19 from the field) including going 12-14 from the free-throw line. Larry Brown (Jr, F, St. Paul, Minn.) added 20 points (7-12 from the field) with seven rebounds.

Upper Iowa University falls to 5-10 overall and 4-7 in the NSIC. U of M, Crookston improves to 6-9 overall and 2-9 in the NSIC.

The Golden Eagles return to home NSIC action on Friday, January 21 and Saturday, January 22 when they play host to St. Cloud State University and Concordia University, St. Paul respectively. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Saturday.

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: (Left to Right) Eric Dearden, Larry Brown