NORTHERN OPENS SEASON WITH 83-69 WIN OVER HURON

November 22 , 2002

ABERDEEN, S.D. - Northern State looked like it was going to turn Friday night into a long one for visiting Si Tanka Huron as the Wolves sprang to early leads of 7-0 and 18-3, but the Screaming Eagles would not go away and stayed within striking distance for most of the night in NSU's 83-69 season-opening victory.

After Northern jumped to the 18-3 lead just 5:49 into the game, the Eagles went on an 8-0 run of their own to bring them within seven. Huron would then make another spurt outscoring the Wolves 11-6 to pull within two with 5:51 to go in the first half.

Northern stepped it up on the offensive end before the half and rattled off 12 points in just over three minutes to take a 41-32 advantage into the locker room.

The Northern lead remained between seven and 13 and seven points until the 10:25 mark in the second half when HU drew within five on two Jason Sherry free throws.

The Wolves extended their lead to 13, 73-60, with 3:44 to play and finished the game with the 83-69 win.

Sundance Wicks led the Wolves with 15 points and ten assists to pick up his first double-double of the year. Jarod Obering hit four three-pointers en route to a 14-point night. Wicks also led NSU with five rebounds on the evening, as well. Wicks' ten assists marks a career high for the senior. Wicks also netted a career high six steals on the night.

Northern shot 53 percent from the floor on the night including 9-for-32 from behind the arch. The Wolves were 10-of-14 from the foul line while Huron was 15-of-24.

Huron was led by a 24-point performance by guard Nick Guidry. Lorenzo Trudo led the Screaming Eagles with nine rebounds on the night.

Huron held a 31-30 edge in rebounds while NSU committed 17 turnovers to HU's 23.

Northern State (1-0) will face off against nationally ranked Sioux Falls tomorrow night in Wachs Arena. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.

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