WOLVES BLOW OUT DRAGONS, INCH CLOSER TO NSIC TITLE

February 15, 2002

Aberdeen, S.D. - The Northern State University men's basketball team is just one win away from claiming at least a share of the 2002-03 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference regular season title after handing Minnesota State Moorhead a 91-71 loss in Wachs Arena on Saturday night.

The Wolves trailed 9-8 early in the contest but, from then on, dominated the rest of the game outscoring MSUM 36-22 the rest of the first half to take a 44-31 lead into the locker room.

Northern built its lead up to as many as 32 points with 8:36 to play in the game but Minnesota State fought back and made the final 91-71, in favor of the Wolves.

Northern State shot a season-high 62.5 percent from three-point range on the night cashing in on 10-of-16 from long range.

Sundance Wicks led the Wolves in this "I Hate Winter" game in the Barnett Center. The senior, playing in his final regular season game on the Wachs Arena floor, hoisted up 21 points and ripped down seven boards on the evening.

Dan Lund had a career night for the Wolves cashing in on a career high 18 points on 7-for-8 from the floor. Dustin Hjelmeland and Aaron Busack each added 11 points for NSU on the night.

Steve Smiley showed why he was the NSIC's leader in assists as well, dishing out nine to tie a career high for the junior.

Northern State will travel to Bemidji State next Friday to face the Beavers in a 7:30 showdown.

VIEW GAME STATISTICS