BEMIDJI, Minn. -- MSU Moorhead men's basketball needed 28 points from
Ja'Kair Sanchez to push past Bemidji State in a physical bout on Saturday afternoon. The Dragons defeated the Beavers 63-56.
How The Game Was Won
- Neither team shot the ball well throughout the contest. Both teams would shoot below 35 percent in the first 20 minutes.
- MSUM was three of 12 from long range in the first half, but still led 30-28 at the break.
- Ja'Kair Sanchez led MSUM with 14 first half points followed by seven points from Jacob Beeninga.
- Sanchez, who typically dawns number one on his jersey was forced to wear number 41 for the game.
- The Dragons would shoot even worse in the final 20 minutes, making just 28.5 percent of their shots with a one of eight mark from three-point range.
- Bemidji State shot an improved 40 percent, but were ice cold from long range, missing all eight attempts in the second half.
- MSUM won the battle of the boards against the Bemidji State team who is statistically one of the best rebounding teams in the NSIC. The Dragons ended the game with a plus-11 rebound margin (46-35).
- Sanchez would score 14 more points in the second half to keep MSUM competitive throughout.
- The junior would wear down the Beavers with his aggressive offensive drives and prowess for drawing fouls. Sanchez made 10 of 11 free throws in the game.
- MSUM would string together defensive stops down the stretch and build a small lead late in the game.
- The Dragons would close the game down at the free throw line, making all the necessary foul shots to claim victory.
- MSUM would make 21 of 22 attempts from the charity stripe including a perfect 16 of 16 clip in the second half alone.
- Dane Zimmer and Jacob Jennissen combined to score nine points with 20 rebounds. Zimmer did not score in the game, but was still able to grab 10 rebounds.
- Sanchez's 28 points ties his Dragon career high, which he set a week ago against Minnesota State. The Syracuse, N.Y., native's collegiate career high is 29 points as a member of Roberts Wesleyan.
Top Dragons
Up Next
MSUM (19-3, 13-3 NSIC) returns to Nemzek Fieldhouse for a Thursday night showdown with Minot State. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
