Box Score St. Cloud State University proved worthy of its top billing in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference North division preseason ranks as the Huskies downed the University of Minnesota Duluth 86-65 on Saturday evening in St. Cloud.

UMD falls to 2-3 on the year (0-1 NSIC), while the Huskies remain undefeated at 5-0 (1-0 NSIC). St. Cloud State scored early and often as the high-powered offense opened up a 19-point halftime lead at 41-22. St. Cloud State got 20 points from junior center James Fort as they iced the game in the second half, leading by as much as 26 before holding on for the 21-point final margin.

Senior Peter Crawford had 14 points to lead the Bulldogs as four players had double-digit points. Freshman Justin Byrd posted a career-high of 10 points while junior Reece Zoelle had a team-high seven boards for UMD.

The Bulldogs continue on the road next week to take on NSIC rivals Minnesota Crookston and Bemidji State. UMD and Crookston tip-off at 8:00 p.m. Friday following the women's game.