Bulldogs Make Big 2nd Half Run;
Wolves Still Sneak Out of Duluth with 66-62 Win

February 21, 2004

DULUTH, MN - In a physical game, the Wolves found another way to get a win. The Wolves came out of the gates executing on all levels and were able to create a sturdy lead. By halftime, the Wolves would find themselves holding a 10 point lead.

However, bolstered by their 8-2 home record this season in conference games the Bulldogs would make a charge back in the second half. The charge would come in the form of a big 2nd half run where the Bulldogs would outscore the Wolves on 12-4 just under the ten minute mark. The Wolves responded and were able to hold off the Bulldogs for their 20th win of the seaon.

The Wolves once again recieved a strong performance from Sophomore Matt Hammer. The Elkton, SD native scored 12 points and grabbed nine rebounds. However, the big game would come from fellow Sophomore Aaron Busack. Busack scored 19 points and roped nine rebounds. Junior Dustin Hjelmeland also hit for double figures going 5-9 from the field en route to a 15 point afternoon.

Steve Smiley - Senior

Another notable performance came from Senior Steve Smiley. Smiley scored six points, pulled down seven rebounds, and had seven dishes. However, Smiley continued to perform in areas that are not in the boxscore following the game. One of Smiley's many duties was shutting down UMD guard Sean Seaman, the most recent NSIC player of the week. Smiley held Seaman to just seven points on 3-12 shooting from the field.

With the win, the Wolves move to 20-5 on the season and 12-2 overall. The win marks the first 20 win season in Coach Don Meyer's tenure at Northern State University. The Wolves will be back in action next weekend as they wrap up the NSIC regular season on the road at Concordia-St. Paul and then at Winona. Game time for both contests will be at 8:00 pm.

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