Nov. 27, 1998

Sophomore guard Jared Miller (Mitchell, S.D.) -- showing the same brand of offensive explosiveness that made his brother Ryan (now with the IBA's Fargo-Moorhead Beez) a first-team all-American selection last season -- scored a career-high 31 points on 10-of-15 shooting to lead NSU past Michigan Tech 88-78 in the second game of NSU's Thanksgiving Classic Friday night. Miller also dished out five assists and grabbed two steals in the win.

In the first game, nationally-ranked Nebraska-Kearney took care of Moorhead State 104-82. The Lopers had six players score in double digits, including Marcus Harris, who had a team-high 22 points.

Not to be overlooked in the NSU game, junior point guard Scott Hanson (Tolna, N.D.) scored 20 points and also had five assists. Hanson also had a huge night on the boards, grabbing a team-high and career-tying high nine rebounds (five offensive).

Defending Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Champion Michigan Tech, ranked 18th in the nation by Dick Vitale's Division II pre-season poll, wouldn't go away after the Wolves built a commanding 41-28 lead in the first half. The Huskies cut the margin to six (52-58) midway through the second half, but couldn't complete the comeback.

Junior guard Dan Fischer (Bagley, Minn.) had another big night from downtown, canning 6-of-10 from 3-point range to end with 20 points. He also pulled down seven rebounds.

Forward Jeff Boinski led MTU with 28 points, followed by Aaron Buckoski, who netted 24.

Saturday's action includes:
5:30 p.m.: Moorhead State vs. Michigan Tech
7:30 p.m.: Nebraska-Kearney vs. Northern State

The nightcap will be a rematch of last season's North Central Regional semifinal, which NSU won 92-86. Both teams enter the contest undefeated, with UNK at 4-0 and NSU at 5-0.