BISMARCK, ND – Matthew Kreklow posted a second straight double double for the University of Mary but the Marauders couldn't match the offensive efficiency of visiting Northern State University. The Marauders struggled from the field in a 74-61 loss to a visiting Wolves team that hit over half their shots from the floor.
 
The only player in double digits for the Marauders, Kreklow scored 18 points and hauled down a career-high 13 rebounds. The junior center hit all six of his free throws and added two blocks and two assists.
 
The Marauders (5-5 overall, 1-4 Northern Sun) shot just 32.7 percent from the floor, including an 8-for-24 effort behind the arc. The Wolves (8-3, 4-1) knocked down 51.9 percent of their shots, including an efficient 7-of-17 on treys. The Marauders did have an edge at the line as UMary was 17-of-21 to Northern State's 11-of-16. UMary also held a 35-33 rebounding edge.
 
Playing from behind all night, the Marauders trailed 41-32 at intermission before falling behind by as many as 22 points in the second half. Continuing to attack, the Marauders cut the deficit to 64-54 on a Glen Jordan 3-pointer. UMary had a couple opportunities to close the gap to single digits with just over five minutes to play but couldn't convert on a pair of shots.
 
Jordan and Wyatt Carr both hit a pair of treys and scored nine points for the Marauders. Josh Sipes added two treys and scored eight. Justin Engg grabbed six rebounds and Regan Tollefson scored six points, both their efforts in reserve roles.
 
Gabe King led the Wolves with 21 points and six rebounds, splashing five treys in nine attempts. Parker Fox scored 19 points and Mason Stark added 18.
 
The Marauders continue a four-game home stand with a non-conference game against the University of Maine at Fort Kent on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Game time is 6 pm at the McDowell Activity Center. UMary then hosts Minot State University on Saturday, Dec 21.
 
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