SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Minnesota State University Moorhead needed extra time in a game that saw 19 ties to defeat conference rival Augustana (12-5, 7-4 NSIC) 91-89 in double overtime. Senior forward Ayob Ayob had a career night scoring 28 points for MSUM.
 
The Dragons improve to 14-3 overall and 9-2 in NSIC play.
 
How it happened…
Senior forward Matt Nelson got the scoring started for the Dragons on their first possession hitting a jump shot from the baseline as the shot clock expired. MSUM held a 12-9 lead at the first media timeout. Augustana took its first lead of the game after a made basket at the 7:45 mark, a quick three from Ayob at the other end returned the lead to MSUM, now leading 24-22. The Dragons used a 4-0 run over the final 2:30 of the half tying the game at 32-32. Ayob scored a game-high 14 points in the first half.
 
MSUM opened up the second half on a 7-0 run thanks in part to back-to-back three point shots from junior guard Tanner Kretchman. Augustana responded with a 10-2 run over the next three and a half minutes taking a 42-41 lead.  Tied 58-58 with just over three minutes remaining freshman Matt Anderson hit a three from the top of the key giving MSUM a 61-58 lead. Augustana tied the game back up on the next possession, and that's how the second half ended tied 65-65.
 
The Dragons won the opening tip and a lay in from sophomore forward Addison Park gave MSUM a 67-65 lead. Much like regulation, the first overtime period ended in a 78-78 tie. Once again tied in the second overtime with four seconds left, Ayob hit a game-winning layup with 1.7 left on the clock.
 
MSUM finished the contest 46.5 percent from the field (33-of-71), while Augustana shot 41.7 percent (35-84).
 
Impact Performances…
Senior forward Ayob Ayob scored a career-high 28 points for MSUM, going 10-of-20 from the field. Ayob also had eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.
 
Senior guard Aaron Lien finished with 24 points, going 9-for-14 from the floor including 3-of-5 from downtown. Lien had six rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal.
 
Junior guard Tanner Kretchman added 16 points for the Dragons, while Anderson and Park finished with seven apiece.
 
Steve d'Eustachio Stat of the Game…
Tonight was the first multiple overtime win for the Dragons since a 76-75 home double overtime win over Colorado St. Pueblo on Nov. 27, 2004.
 
Up Next…
MSUM finished the road trip off at Wayne State on Jan. 14. Tip-off is slated for 6 p.m.