Crookston, Minn. (nsuwolves.com) – The Northern State University men’s basketball team broke through on Thursday at Minnesota Crookston, defeating the Golden Eagles 62-59. The Wolves led by 11 at the half and held on to secure their first league victory of the year.

THE QUICK DETAILS
Final Score: NSU 62, UMC 59
Records: NSU 2-21 (1-16 NSIC), UMC 5-19 (4-14 NSIC)
Attendance: 401

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Wolves scored 36 points in the first and 26 in the second, shooting 41.7% from the floor, 31.8% from the 3-point line, and 62.5% from the foul line
• They scored 32 points in the paint, 15 points off turnovers, and ten points off the bench
• Northern led the game with seven made 3-pointers and added 28 rebounds, ten assists, nine steals, and four blocks
• The defense held the Golden Eagles to 3-of-14 from beyond the arc and forced 18 turnovers
• Marcus Burks led three Wolves in double figures with 18 points, knocking down 8-of-13 from the floor; he added four rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and two steals
• Kwat Abdelkarim was second on the team with 15 points and six rebounds, adding three assists and a team leading three steals
• Kaleb Mitchell tallied his third double-double of the season with 12 points and ten rebounds in the win, draining 6-of-11 from the floor
• James Glenn dished out a team best four assists, while Tobi Obiora led the team off the bench with five points

NORTHERN STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
Marcus Burks: 18 points, 61.5 field goal%, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals
Kwat Abdelkarim: 15 points, 60.0 3-point field goal%, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals
Kaleb Mitchell: 12 points, 54.5 field goal%, 10 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal

UP NEXT
The Wolves return to Wachs Arena on Saturday for a 4 p.m. match-up with Bemidji State. Saturday is Glacial Lakes Energy night in the Barnett Center and Chivilla Bay will be set-up in the main hallway for Build-A-Wolf night. Fans can make their own Thunder the Wolf for $35 and includes and adoption certificate and custom NSU shirt.