MINOT, N.D. – David Akibo scored a game-high 28 points to lead five Minot State University players in double figures as the Beavers routed Minnesota Crookston 92-61 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference men's basketball Saturday at the Minot State Dome.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Minot State jumped out to an early 44-28 lead at halftime behind 56 percent shooting from the field and a perfect 8 for 8 from the line.
• The Beavers held Minnesota Crookston to just 27.8 percent shooting the first half to build the lead and limited the Golden Eagles to 33.8 percent for the game.
• MSU didn't let up offensively in the second half, outscoring UMC 48-33 in the second.
• Minot State continued its hot shooting in the second, hitting 21 of 35 shots for 60 percent to end with a solid 56.1 shooting clip for the game.

BEAVER TRACKS

• David Akibo hit both of his 3-pointers and all four free throws on his way to 28 points. He also finished with seven rebounds, four assists and a blocked shot.
• Kyle Beisch hit a pair of 3s to score 19 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.
• Kody Dwyer was a near-perfect 8 of 9 from the floor and finished with a career-high 16 points, adding six rebounds in 25 minutes.
• Max Cody and Aleksa Cucovic knocked down 11 points each as Cucovic was 4 for 5 from the floor, including three 3-pointers in 20 minutes off the bench.

 
TEAM NOTES

• Minot State scored a season-high 92 points, the most in a game since hitting 96 against Yellowstone Christian last season and the most in conference play since netting 96 against St. Cloud State in the 2015-16 season.
• The Beavers had 20 assists to just nine turnovers, getting 10 assists from Max Cody, who finished with a double-double.
• Minot State had a huge rebounding advantage, pulling down 15 more boards than the Golden Eagles (46-31) with Drake Jeffries leading the way with a career-high 11 boards.
• The Beavers improve to 9-14 overall and 4-10 in NSIC play, while Minnesota Crookston falls to 13-10 and 6-8.

UP NEXT
Minot State continues a four-game homestand with NSIC South opponents Augustana University Friday (7:30 p.m.) and Wayne State College Saturday (5:30 p.m.) at the Dome.