Trojans fell short to NCAA Division II University of Minnesota-Crookston

January 3, 2007

(Madison, SD) - The Dakota State University Trojans and University of Minnesota-Crookston Golden Eagles were looking to snap their longest losing streak of the season.  The Trojans lost 12 straight games since their season home opener win in November.  The Golden Eagles were winless in 12 games this season.

The game opened with the Golden Eagles' shooting 12 for 16 including 3 for 4 from the three point range to take 30-19 lead over the Trojans with just 9:48 left in the 1st half.  The Golden Eagles continued to extend their lead to 15 points (34-19), which was the largest lead of the game.  The Trojans only shot 14 for 34 (41%) and 7 for 12 from the free throw line (58%) in the first half compared to Golden Eagles 16 for 28 from the field (57%) and 10 for 112 from the free throw line (83%).

Trailing 46-38 at halftime, the Trojans attempted a 19-9 run in the second half and took the first lead of the game at the 14:28 mark with the score of 57-55.  The Trojans continued their comeback with the largest lead of the game at the 12:41 mark at 65-60.  The University of Minnesota-Crookston stopped the Trojans' 2nd half rally when the Trojans struggled at the free throw line, going only 12 for 20 (60%) compared to 8 for 11 from the free throw line for the Golden Eagles (73%).  The Golden Eagles went on to record their first win of the season, 85-81.

Joe Backus led the Trojans (1-13, 0-1 DAC) with a game high 29 points and 11 rebounds.  He was 10 for 19 from the field and 9 for 17 from the free throw line.  Jordan Hughes scored 15 points coming off the bench, making 5 for 8 from the three point range.  Josh Magbuhat and Bryce Kreutzfeldt each had 11 points for the Trojans.  Derek Powell had game highs in assists with 9 and steals with 6.

For the Golden Eagles (1-12, 0-4 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference), Aaron Smith led the balance scoring attack with 14 points, going 5 for 6 field goals - 2 for 3 from the 3 point line - and 2 for 2 from the free throw line.  Mike Thompson had 13 points and 4 assists along with Joey Kollar and Jordan Grafsgaard with 12 points each.  Bryce Cummings had 11 points and 7 assists for the Golden Eagles.

The Trojans took advantage on the boards, where they grabbed 41 rebounds - 17 offensive rebounds - compared to Golden Eagles' 35 rebounds.  The second chance points were in Trojans' favor outscoring the Golden Eagles 17-4, but it was not enough for the Trojans as the Golden Eagles shot 53% (30 for 57 field goals) opposed to the Trojans 41% (27 for 66 field goals.)

The Trojans will look to snap their losing streak as they hit the road and return to the DAC Conference action in North Dakota this weekend.  The Trojans will play Jamestown on Friday in Jamestown at 7:30 pm and Valley City State on Saturday at 6:00 pm in Valley City.

Nick Huntimer, Dakota State Sports Information Director