BISMARCK, ND – Despite 18 points from
Keith Hunter and 15 from
Matthew Kreklow, the University of Mary men's basketball couldn't match the outside attack and the offensive rebounding of Minot State University in a 77-65 home loss to the Beavers in Northern Sun action.
The Marauders struggled from beyond the arc, making just 3-of-14 attempts, while the Beavers converted 10-of-22. Minot State also outscored UMary 12-2 in second chance points behind a 31-24 rebounding edge.
Hunter hit two of the Marauders three treys and finished 6-of-11 from the floor. He also hit four of his five free throw attempts and added three rebounds, two assists and two steals without committing a turnover.
Kreklow poured in a career-high 15 points, converting 7-of-10 shots from the floor and his lone free throw. The redshirt freshman also added two blocks.
Tom Kubank was 5-of-6 at the line and scored nine points.
Trevor Zacher had eight points and six rebounds.
Brody Sharkey chipped in seven points and five assists.
Nathaniel Moore came off the bench for the Beavers and scored a game-high 19 points. He hit two treys and hauled down seven rebounds, David Akibo knocked down three 3-pointers in four chances, scored 17 points and had eight rebounds. Tyler Rudolph added 13 points but the all-time Minot State career rebound leader was limited to two boards.
The Marauders grabbed an early 11-8 lead behind a Zacher trey and a Kubank dunk. The Beavers, earning votes in the national Top 25 poll, then ripped off ten straight points and played with the lead the rest of the night.
Down as many as 15 early in the second, the Marauders used an 11-2 run to close within 45-39.
Keith Hunter led the UMary outburst with five points and Kubank and Kreklow both converted three-point plays. In response the Beavers turned the ball over to Moore, who scored 10 of 15 Minot State points that led to an eventual 16 point margin for MSU.
The Marauders (2-8 overall, 0-6 NSIC) shot a strong 48.9 percent from the floor in the game and made 16-of-23 free throws. The Beavers (11-1, 5-1) made 52.7 percent of their field goal attempts while making 9-of-12 at the line.
The UMary home stand continues when the University of Minnesota Duluth and St. Cloud State University help ring in the New Year at the McDowell Activity Center on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 30-31.
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