Buffs Extinguish Wolves

BOULDER, Colo. – Northern State led the Big 12’s Colorado Buffalo’s 42-41 at the half, but a 22-4 run to start the second half put the game away for the Buffs, as they went on to a 99-71 exhibition win at the Coors Event Center in Boulder, Colo. The Wolves were led by Matt Hammer (Jr., F/C, Elkton, S.D.), who tied for a game high with 22 points on 6 of 15 shooting.

The Wolves were able to stay in the game in the first half thanks to 17 points from Hammer and hitting 13 of 15 from the charity stripe. The Wolves also only had four first half turnovers compared to eleven for the Buffs.

The second half started with the Buffs going 12-0 run that increased to a 22-4 run six minutes in to the second half.

The Buffs took advantage of their size as they out rebounded the Wolves 49-23, and 17 to 11 on the offensive end. Looking at turnovers you could tell it was the first game of the season as the two teams combined for 32 give-aways. CU had 19 leading to 28 NSU points, while the Wolves had 13 turnovers (nine in the second half) that led to 24 Buff points.

Hammer’s 22 points led the Wolves. In 29 minutes of play, he was 3 of 5 from 3-point range and 7 of 9 from the free throw line. He also ribbed down eight boards (three offensive), had four assists and three steals on the night.

Bjoern Schoo (Jr., C, Bad Saeckiugeu, Germany) put in 14 points, grabbed five boards and had a block in his Wolves’ debut. Jarod Obering (Sr., G, Beatrice, Neb.) was the third Wolf in double figures with his ten points on 3 of 7 shooting. All of OB’s points came from three-point range as he hit 3 of 4 from downtown.