Balanced Attack; Strong Defense Hold Off Tigers

January 19, 2004

Aberdeen, S.D. - Northern State had four players in double

Aaron Busack - Soph.

figures to help hold off Dakota Wesleyan Monday night. The Wolves were lead by Sophomore Aaron Busack who had a team high 17 points and five rebounds in 27 minutes of play.

The Wolves took their first lead of the night at 18:48 of the first half and would never again trail in the contest. However, with 7-2 run DWU would tie the game at 61-61 with just 3:42 remaining in the second half. Adam Grant responded with a three-pointer and a free throw to give the Wolves a four point lead.

The Tigers would claw their way back to within one point before clutch free throw shooting by Adam Grant and Dustin Hjelmeland put Wesleyan away.

DWU was once again paced by the talented guard David Nour. Nour 15 points, 7 rebounds, and three steals in the contest. Michael Stevenson provided strong rebounding for the Tigers pulling down nine rebounds, four of which were offensive, before fouling out.

Matt Hammer - Soph

The Wolves were opportunistic all night forcing 20 turnovers and then capatilizing on those turnovers and cashing them in for 29 points on the evening. Senior guard Steve Smiley anchored the defense with his high pressure defense on DWU's Nour while Junior guard Jared Obering came away with three steals on the night. Sophomore Matt Hammer had an impressive all-around game scoring nine points, pulling down five rebounds, and collecting five assists.

With the win, the Wolves are now on their second four game winning streak of the season. In addition, the win marks the sixth straight home victory. NSU is now 11-5 overall while DWU moves to 8-14.

Northern is back in conference action when the square off of conference foes Winona State and Concordia-St. Paul this upcoming weekend. Women's tip-off is 6:00 pm with the men starting at 8:00 pm.

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