MOORHEAD, Minn. -- Minnesota State Moorhead men's basketball needed every ounce of heart and grit in a Saturday evening clash with visiting South Dakota Mines. The Dragons moved to 2-2 on the season behind an 86-80 victory over the Hardrockers.
The teams would play an even first five minutes with the Rockers holding a narrow lead before the Dragons regained control. A three-pointer from
Dominic Gooden, followed by a bucket from
Adam Jenkins had the Dragons up 13-11. South Dakota Mines would respond, posting a four-point lead before a
Sam Hondl triple had the Dragons back within one point.
Isa El-Amin would tie the contest at 23 points with a three-pointer of his own at the midway point of the half. From there, five straight points from
Tysen Gerads (including a successful and-one) helped provide a three-point cushion.
With less that four minutes to play in the first half, Moorhead would hold its largest lead of nine points following a triple from
Timaris Brown and an and-one from Gooden. The Rockers would get as close as two points late in the half, but Moorhead would lead by six at the break thanks to late baskets from Hondl and Jenkins. MSUM would lead 43-37 at halftime behind a 60 percent conversion rate from the floor. The Dragons were led by 10 points from Gooden and seven from Gerads.
Moorhead would get its lead back to eight points early in the second half after a scoop and score from
Levi Birkholz. Credit has to be given to South Dakota Mines, who utilized a physical defensive effort to claw back into the game. The Rockers would push forward to gain a three-point lead five minutes into the second frame, forcing a Dragon timeout. Out of the break, Brown would drain another triple, followed by a long range shot from
Kabine Kaba and MSUM was back in front by three points. While South Dakota Mines would stay contentious, Moorhead would strike on an 8-0 burst to hold their largest lead of the game in 11 points (68-57). Hondl would spark the run with a three with Gerads adding a monster transition slam. Kaba would cap the run with his second triple of the half, forcing a Rocker timeout.
Again South Dakota Mines would not go away quietly as they would cut their deficit to two points with under four minutes to play. Moorhead would have an answer once again as Gerads drilled a corner three-pointer to create some additional breathing room. As the Rockers would come back within three points, it was Kaba who again provided a timely basket. The senior sunk his third three of the second half to have Moorhead up six points with less than three minutes to play.
The Rockers would only come as close as three points before a steal and score from Gerads, followed by a monster block from Kaba, put the exclamation point on the game. Moorhead would claim an 86-80 win behind a career-best 17 points from Gerads. Both Gerads and Kaba were exceptional on both ends of the floor all night, combining for 26 points, seven steals and three blocked shots. Kaba scored all 11 of his points in the second half. The Dragons had four players in double figures with Gooden scoring 15 and Hondl 10 points.
Top Dragons
Steve d'Eustachio's Stat of the Game
This weekend marked the fourth and final year of the East-West Shootout involving these four teams. The Dragons finished 7-1 including wins in each of their final seven games.
Up Next
The Dragons (2-2) turn right around and begin NSIC play on Tuesday as they play host to Minnesota Crookston. Tipoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.
