MOORHEAD, Minn. – The Minnesota State University Moorhead men's basketball team edged University of Minnesota Crookston, 81-78, on Friday at Alex Nemzek Fieldhouse in Moorhead, Minn. The Dragons cut at 12-point deficit late in the second half, led by senior guard Tanner Kretchman who recorded 22 points in the second half alone.
 
MSUM improved to 4-5 overall and 2-1 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play, while UMC fell to 5-5, 2-2 NSIC.
 
Kretchman totaled 24 points, two assists and three steals. Sophomore guard Johnny Beeninga wasn't far behind with 21 points and three assists. Matt Anderson and A.J. Nywesh had nine points and three rebounds, each. Sophomore guard Evan Hines totaled six points and led the rebounding for the Dragons with seven.
 
MSUM shot 51.7 (31-of-60) compared to Minnesota Crookston at 45.2 percent (28-of-62). The Dragons outrebounded the Golden Eagles, 37-31.
 
UMC held just a 44-39 lead over the Dragons going into halftime. MSUM got within one point early in the second half, but the Golden Eagles were able to increase their lead to twelve points with just over six minutes remaining in the game.
 
The Dragons went on a 17-5 run including a three-pointer from Kretchman to give MSUM a 79-78 lead with just 30 seconds to play. Free throws from Beeninga made it 81-78 to clinch the win for the Dragons.
 
MSUM hosts Bemidji State at 6 p.m. on Saturday to wrap up the weekend.
 
Steve d'Eustachio Stat of the Game: Tonight was win number 11 in a row over Minnesota Crookston which marks the longest winning streak the Dragons have over an opponent.