Battles of the Titans Proves to Be Great Match Up;
Wolves Earn a Share of NSIC Lead

February 14, 2004

ABERDEEN, SD - Five players in double digits helped the Wolves edge the Bemidji Beavers on Saturday night. It was a high scoring game with the final score being Northern 97 and Bemidji 94.

Going into this game the Beavers had the lead in the conference, only one win ahead of Northern, and both teams were at the top of their game. The teams matched up well and this game ended up being a nail biter.

The first team on the board was Bemidji with a three-pointer but Northern immediately responded with a three-pointer by Hammer. That foreshadowed what the events the rest of the night would be like at the Barnett Center.

In the first half the teams went back and forth but neither one could gain more than a five-point lead. That is until the last few minutes… the Wolves were able to keep the Beavers from scoring for five minutes while they jumped up their lead. By the end of the first half the Wolves were up 51- 42.

In the beginning of the second half the teams stayed even, NSU stayed ahead by about 10 or so points. Finally with 9:59 left in the game Bemidji had tied it up with Northern at 72 points each. The two teams stayed together until the final minutes: good free throw shooting and great defense helped clinch the win for the Wolves.

Leading for the Wolves was Sophomore Matt Hammer with 28 points, four assists, and two steals. Aaron Busack added 18 points and seven rebounds. Jarod Obering and Adam Grant both had 16 points; and Dustin Hjelmeland had 12 points. Steve Smiley grabbed 10 rebounds, which was the team high; he also gave out five assists.

The Beavers came into the match up with an explsive offense and individual players. One of those players was Charles "Buster" Hanks. Hanks is recognized as one of the best players in the region, if not the nation. Hanks and James Roberson both had 26 points, Roberson also had seven assists. They had two others men in double-digit scoring with 11 and 12. Although four men did the majority of the scoring they spread out the rebounds very well with everyone grabbing at least one, except two people.

Both teams will now have to go without another loss in the conference to stay sharing the lead. Northern will now have to test their skills on the road as they finish their regular season with three road games. The Wolves will attempt to continue their winning streak in Duluth this Saturday night, Feb. 21 at 8:00 pm.

Statistics