Hammer Time

Wolves Beat Southwest in First Round Game
Advance to NSIC Semis vs. Bemidji State

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Matt Hammer came one point shy of his career high as he dumped in 32 points as #3 Northern State ended #6 Southwest Minnesota State’s season with a 93-84 win in the first round of the NSIC Red Baron Men’s Basketball Tournament. Northern State advances to the semi-finals on Saturday, March 5 th where they will take on #2 Bemidji State at 2:00 p.m. in Winona, Minn.

The game was close the entire first half before the Wolves went on a 18-8 run the last four minutes of the first half to lead 49-39 at intermission.

Northern State avenged a 94-87 loss to the Mustangs less that a week ago as they win their first game against SW Minnesota State in the NSIC Tournament (1-2). Matt Hammer (Jr., G, Elkton, S.D.) led all scorers with 32 points, grabbed six rebounds and dished out five assists. Dustin Hjelmeland (Sr., F, Staples, Minn.) dropped in 17 as he finished 5 of 6 from three-point range. The Wolves finished the night 11 of 24 (45.8%) from three-point range and 61.1% (33-54) from the field. No other Wolf was in double figures, but all ten Wolves that dressed did score.

Southwest had five players in double figures including LeRon Dawn (21) and Chad Orum (16) who both scored career highs. The Mustangs shot 44.1% (30-68) from the field and 40% (10-25) from three-point range. The Mustangs out rebounded the Wolves 35-30 and 20-10 on the offensive end. Both teams had 11 turnovers, but the Wolves had 16 points off those turnovers compared to five for the Stangs.