MEYER MOVES UP ON WINS LIST; WOLVES DOMINATE DAKOTA STATE

Nov. 21, 2001

MOVIN' ON UP -- NSU coach Don Meyer, shown here giving instructions to Steve Smiley in NSU's exhibition at Vanderbilt earlier this season, moved into 14th on college basketball's all-time coaching wins list Wednesday. File photo courtesy Neil Brake, Vanderbilt University

NSU head coach Don Meyer became the 14th winningest coach in the history of collegiate basketball Wednesday night, leading the Wolves to an overpowering 113-57 victory over Dakota State in the Barnett Center.The win brought Meyer's career record in his 30th season of coaching to 732-247. That's one win better than former Missouri coach Norm Stewart, who racked up a 731-375 record during his 38-year coaching career.

The Wolves (3-0) dominated the first half but unlike last night's win over Mount Senario, the team get complacent in the second half. NSU shot 57 percent for the night and held DSU to 29 percent. The Wolves also controlled the boards, out-rebounding Dakota State 47-34.

As further proof of NSU's domination inside, senior centers Brad Hansen (Tea) and Andy Foster (Caledonia, Minn.) both chalked up double-doubles on the night. Hansen had 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Foster added 13 points and 10 rebounds. Redshirt freshman Dustin Hjelmeland (Staples, Minn.) had a near-double double on the night and an impressive stat line with 10 rebounds, nine points, three blocks and two assists. Junior forward Sundance Wicks (Gillette, Wyo.) led all scorers with 21 points. In all, six NSU players ended in double-digits in points. JF Jensen led DSU (2-5) with 15 points.

Junior shooting guard Nick Schroeder (Plymouth, Minn.) is working his way back onto the court after fighting foot injuries. Schroeder saw 20 minutes of action against DSU after seeing seven minutes last night in his first game back. Schroeder ended with 13 points. Senior point guard Roland Williams (Ft. Worth, Texas), still battling back problems, did not suit up.

Northern will begin a tough three-game stretch against North Central Conference teams this Sunday at North Dakota State. Tip-off in Fargo is set for 6 p.m.