Minnesota State Community and Technical College 81 - Minnesota North - Rainy River 69

The Minnesota State men's basketball team came out with something to prove after a disappointing start to the Central Lakes College Winter Basketball Classic.  The Spartans were beaten soundly on day one, but day two proved to be different as the Spartans picked up one of their biggest wins of the season to date by defeating Minnesota North-Rainy River by the score of 81 to 69.

The Spartans came out shooting well to start the game by building a quick 9-2 lead with three pointers from Yonis Mohamud, Akok Aguer, and Foday Sheriff.  The three pointers continued to fall for the Spartans as they shot an impressive 60% as team for the entire first half.   Sheriff was a perfect three for three from three in the first half to pace all the Spartan scorers with 11 first half points.  Sheriff was accompanied by Aguer and Mikele Kambalo with 10 and 9, respectively.  The trio's 30 points helped the Spartans record 44 points to Rainy River's 32.

The second half proved to be much closer for the Spartan's team as the 9-2 Voyageurs looked to keep their five-game winning streak going.  However, the Spartans seemed to have an answer the entire second half every time Rainy River made a run to reduce the lead.  Kambalo made a critical three point shot with two minutes to play while clinging to a narrow four point lead.  This basket pushed the lead to 7 and allowed for the Spartans to eventually pull away for the 81 to 69 victory.

Foday Sheriff continues to shine in the early part of the basketball season by leading all players with 23 points and 8 rebounds.  Akok Aguer provided M-State with a double-double by recording 17 points and 10 rebounds.  Yonis Mohamud continued to shoot the basketball quite well from the perimeter by scoring 18 points.  Mikele Kambolo rounded out the double digit scoring by netting 16 points while also recording 4 assists and 4 steals.

The victory allows Minnesota State to improve its overall record to 6-5 while Minnesota State-Rainy River fell to 9-3.  The Spartans will take the floor once again at home on December 30 and December 31 while hosting their annual Spartan Classic.