(Crookston, Minn.)- Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) raced out to a 51-23 halftime lead and held off a second half rally to defeat the University of Minnesota, Crookston 88-69 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Men's Basketball action tonight in Moorhead, Minn.

The Dragons shot 55.9% (19-34 from the field) in the first half to build their game-high 28 point lead. However, the Golden Eagles came out firing in the second half closing the gap to as low as nine points (66-57) with 11:12 remaining in the second half. U of M, Crookston outscored MSUM 46-37 in the second half but the Dragons pulled away down the stretch to capture the NSIC victory.

MSUM was led by Tarell Clark who scored 23 points (9-14 from the field) with seven rebounds and four assists. D.J. Hamilton scored 21 points (7-12 from the field) while Charlie Chapman added 16 points (5-11 from the field. Alex Novak scored 14 points (7-8 from the field) with 13 rebounds.

The Golden Eagles were led by Eric Dearden (Sr, G, Riverton, Utah) who scored a game-high 26 points (9-18 from the field) with four rebounds. Adam Hendricks (Sr, F, Watertown, Minn.) added 11 points (5-9 from the field).

The Dragons improve to 11-7 overall and 8-6 in the NSIC. U of M, Crookston falls to 6-12 overall and 2-12 in the NSIC.

The Golden Eagles return to NSIC action on Friday, February 4 and Saturday, February 5 when they travel to the University of Mary and Northern State University respectively. Both games tip-off at 8 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).

                                                                   -30- 

 
 Photo Caption: (Left to Right) - Eric Dearden, Adam Hendricks