SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Minnesota State University Moorhead men's basketball team started their last weekend of the regular season on a high note by knocking off the Augustana Vikings for the second time this season Friday night in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Both teams refused to give up any ground in the first ten minutes of the game, going back and fourth until the fourth tied score of the half at 13-13 was broken on a tip-in by the Viking's Leif Nomeland at the 10:58 mark.
Augustana would continue to build their lead to as much as nine points with 4:34 left in the half after back-to-back baskets by the Viking's Cody Schilling.
DJ Hamilton would hit a three-pointer with 1:47 to go in the first half to bring the Dragons within six, but Cameron McCaffrey would answer with a jumper just before the half to give the Vikings an eight point lead into the break, 34-26.
The Dragons would start the second half by scoring five straight points to crawl with three points on a conventional three point play by Jake Driscoll.
Augustana would respond with a 7-0 run of their own to take their biggest lead of the game with 16:19 remaining, 41-31.
Over the next few minutes the Dragons would grind the Viking lead down to just one point, 45-44, with 11:54 to go.
Tarell Clark, who posted a career high 27 points, would convert a layup on the ensuing possession to give the Dragons a one point advantage with 11:26 on the clock.
The Dragons would scrape together some free throws and two consecutive baskets from Clark with 2:07 left in the game to take a nine point lead, 71-62.
The Vikings would not go down without a fight as McCaffrey found a quick eight points in the last 1:18 to bring Augustana within three with only 41 seconds left in the game.
It would prove too little to late for the Vikings as Clark added two free throws with three seconds left to capture the second Dragon victory over Augustana this season, 77-72.
Leading all scorers on the night was a career high 27 point performance from Clark. Alex Novak also played a pivotal role in the game with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks. Driscoll and Hamilton both recorded 14 points respectively.
The Dragon men finish off their 2010-11 regular season Saturday night against the Wayne State Wildcats. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.
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