WAYNE, Neb. – The Minnesota State University Moorhead men's basketball team finished their 2010-11 regular season schedule Saturday night at Wayne State College, but unfortunately a rough first half prevented the Dragons from ending on a high note, falling to the Wildcats 83-65.

The Dragons held a tie score after exchanging a pair of baskets in the first :34 seconds of the game, but would trail the Wildcats from then on after allowing Wayne State to get on a 13-2 run.

The Dragons looked to go inside to Alex Novak and also to fellow sophomore center Eric Olson who started his second consecutive game for an illness ridden Dennis Williamson.

Both big men would prove productive for the Dragons.  Novak would post his second double-double of the weekend with 12 points, 12 rebounds and four blocked shots.  Olson would contribute a career high 11 points while pulling down six rebounds.

Despite the Dragon bigs playing well, the fast start by the Wildcats would be the difference-maker in the game, pushing  the Wayne State lead to as much 18 points at halftime, 41-23.

Both teams came out all square in the second half, scoring 42 points apiece, but the first half hole proved too much for the Dragons to climb out of, taking a 83-65 loss.

The Dragons are still alive in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference playoffs and will travel to the University of Mary on Wendesday, March 2 to face the number 19 Marauders.

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