HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Minnesota State University Moorhead (3-1) defeated Michigan Tech (1-3) 90-82 on Saturday night. For the second straight night senior forward Ayob Ayob led the Dragons offensively with 24 points.

How it happened…
It was a back-and-forth start to the game, with the Huskies finding themselves ahead 17-16 at the first media timeout. Small runs from both reams out of the media timeout saw Michigan Tech build a three-point lead 28-25 midway through the first half. MSUM utilized an 8-0 run out of the media timeout building its first sizeable lead of the game, up 33-25. Michigan Tech answered with a run of their own bringing the halftime score to 43 apiece. Lien led the Dragons with 13 first half points on 5-of-7 from the field. Senior forward Ayob Ayob added 10 points for MSUM going a perfect 2-of-2 from beyond the arc. The Dragons shot 15-of-28 (53.6 percent) in the first half, with Michigan Tech going 16-of-29 from the field (55.2 percent).

Both teams came out of the break with aggressive play driving to the net early. The Dragons scrapped to build a 54-51 lead at the first media timeout. MSUM used some good shooting to build a seven point lead, but Michigan Tech answered right back with some buckets of its own taking the lead 69-67 with just over nine minutes remaining. MSUM went on a 12-2 run over the next five minutes taking a 79-71 lead. Michigan Tech battled back down four points, 86-82 with thirty seconds remaining, but couldn't cut it any closer, as the Dragons won 90-82. MSUM shot 14-of-25 in the second half.

The Dragons finished the contest with 10 assists to just five turnovers. MSUM had the slight advantage on the glass over Michigan Tech 32-25. The Dragons made 26 trips to the free throw line compared only seven for the Huskies.

Impact Performances…
Ayob Ayob recorded a team-high for the second straight night with 24 points. He tied he career-high, which he set last night in the win over Northern Michigan. He finished 7-of-10 from the field, a perfect 6-of-6 from the charity stripe, five rebounds, one assist and one block.

Senior guard Aaron Lien shot 8-of-12 from the field adding 21 points for MSUM. Lien had five rebounds and was 3-of-4 from the free throw line.

Junior guard Tanner Kretchman scored 17 points for the Dragons. He had four assists to just one turnover, while collecting two rebounds.

Dragon Quick Hit…
With tonight's win MSUM has improved to 3-0 in true road games this season.

Up Next…
The Dragons continue with non-conference play on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at Concordia College in Moorhead. Tip-off is slated for 7:45 p.m.