CROOKSTON, Minn. – A career effort from
Sam Hastreiter helped lift Minnesota State Moorhead men's basketball to its first win of 2026 on Saturday. The Dragons held off Minnesota Crookston, 92-81.
Sam Hastreiter would help get 2026 kicked off for the Dragons, scoring six early points to help MSUM lead 11-5. Hastreiter would convert on an and-one, followed by a triple to cap the quick flurry. A strong backdown move from
Adam Jenkins provided Moorhead a seven-point lead five minutes into the contest. As Minnesota Crookston's defense tightened up, a three-pointer from
Rodrick Payne helped keep MSUM in front by six points midway through the first half.
The Golden Eagles would keep the score close thanks to the long-range shot, netting six in the first 13 minutes. However, five straight points from
Timaris Brown would lock in another six-point advantage for the Dragons. With under five minutes to play in the first half, Moorhead led by five points, 33-28. Minnesota Crookston would respond out of a media timeout to tie the contest at 33 points.
At the break, Moorhead led 42-34 after closing the half on a 9-1 run. Hastreiter paced the late burst, scoring six of the run's nine points. The senior led the Dragons with 14 first-half points while Payne added 10 for MSUM. Brown was effective off the bench, scoring seven points through 20 minutes. While the Golden Eagles connected on more three-pointers, Moorhead made 43.8 percent of their overall attempts compared to UMC's 34.4 clip.
The Dragon lead would stretch into double figures for the first time early in the second half. Moorhead would score on the first three possessions of the half, highlighted by threes from true freshman
Isa El-Amin and
Sam Hondl. Minnesota Crookston would put together a nice response before Hastreiter converted on another and-one. The Golden Eagles would continue to dip into the Dragon lead, but Moorhead seemingly had a response at every turn. Payne would take over for the Dragons, using post baskets to have MSUM up 69-59 midway through the half.
Hastreiter would strike again to have MSUM up nine points, netting a tough fadeaway with the shot clock winding down. The senior's basket secured a new Dragon career-high, marking 21 points on 60 percent shooting. As Minnesota Crookston cut the deficit to five points with under five minutes to go, it was again Hastreiter who provided the big shot. The Lincoln, Neb., native cashed a corner three to get the Moorhead lead back to six points. For Hastreiter, it matched his collegiate career-high (24 points) which he set while at North Dakota State.
Moorhead would seal the game with under two minutes to go as
Landin Hacker drilled an open three-pointer before Hastreiter was fouled in the paint. The senior converted on two free throws, creating a rare five-point possession for the Dragons. MSUM led 88-76 after the makes, eventually securing the game 92-81. Hastreiter etched a new career high of 28 points to go along with eight rebounds. Payne was an issue all afternoon down low, scoring a Dragon career-best 21 points with eight rebounds. Hacker scored all nine of his points in the second half while El-Amin scored 12 for Moorhead.
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MSUM (8-6, 5-3 NSIC) returns to NSIC action next weekend in road tilts with Concordia-St. Paul and Winona State.
