Wayne State 73 Minnesota, Crookston 66

Wayne State College opened NSIC play by holding off the Golden Eagles of Minnesota, Crookston by the score of 73-66 on Friday evening in Crookston, Minnesota.  The Wildcats are now 5-1 on the season and 1-0 in the NSIC, while Minnesota, Crookston dropped to 1-4 overall and 0-1 in the NSIC. 

The game was tightly contested thoughout.  The 'Cats took a 28-26 lead into halftime.  Crookston scored a basket on the opening possession of the second half to tie the game.  Matt Rathje scored a basket to regain the lead for Wayne State with just over 19 minutes remaining, a lead that the 'Cats would not relinquish.   

Jonathon Thomas had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead Wayne State.  Matt Rathje also had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.  Jamar Diggs had 15 points and six assists, and David Walters added 11 points for the Wildcats.   Wayne State shot 44.4% overall from the field, making 28 of 63 shots.  The Wildcats hit 8 of 15 three pointers for 53.3% in the win.

Two players scored in double figures for Minnesota, Crookston.  Akeem Cubie scored 16 points, and Bryce Cummings had 15 points for the Golden Eagles.  Crookston shot 37.7% from the field, making 26 of 69 shots.

Wayne State will be back in action tomorrow evening when they travel to Bemidji State for an 8 p.m. contest.