MOORHEAD, Minn. -- MSU Moorhead men's basketball turned in another stellar second half performance as the Dragons rallied from a halftime deficit to move to 9-0 with an 82-74 win over Bemidji State.
How The Game Was Won
- MSUM struggled shooting the ball in the first half, clipping a 31.5 percent field goal mark through 20 minutes.
- Bemidji State would capitalize, leading 34-33 at the break behind a 25-19 rebound advantage and a 47 percent clip from the floor.
- The Beavers only attempted three true perimeter shots in the first half, scoring 31 of their 34 points in the paint.
- MSUM would rally in the second stanza, shooting a much improved 53.5 percent field goal mark in the half. Bemidji State still connected on 50 percent of their shots.
- The Dragons used a renewed defensive effort to stifle Bemidji State's post prowess. This came thanks to hard-nosed defensive efforts from posts Dane Zimmer and Jacob Jennissen.
- Jennissen finished the game with 10 points, five rebounds and two blocks and was key in holding Beaver star John Sutherland to just 11 of 24 from the floor.
- MSUM would hit timely three-pointers in the second half as Jennissen, Jacob Beeninga, Jamir Price, Ja'Kair Sanchez, Logan Kinsey and Dane Zimmer would all net triples in the final 20 minutes.
- The Dragons once again owned the turnover battle, forcing 12 Beaver turnovers while MSUM only surrendered the ball four times all game.
- By game's end Bemidji State only held a one rebound advantage on the Dragons. The Beavers entered the game as one of the top rebounding teams in the country, statistically.
Top Dragons
Steve d'Eustachio's Stat of the Game
This is the first season the Dragons have started NSIC play 3-0 since the COVID-stricken season three years ago. The win that got them to 3-0 was a 70-50 home decision against Bemidji State Jan. 15, 2021.
Up Next
MSUM (9-0, 3-0 NSIC) returns to the hardwood inside Nemzek Fieldhouse tomorrow afternoon for a 3:30 p.m. tilt with St. Cloud State.
