For the second straight season, the University of Minnesota Crookston got the better of the University of Minnesota Duluth in an Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference high-scoring affair at Lysaker Gymnasium. The Golden Eagles scored over 90 points again in the home contest against the Bulldogs as they came away with a 96-88 victory Saturday evening in Crookston, Minn. 

Minnesota Crookston, who defeated UMD 98-88 last season in its home contest a season ago, improved to 10-6 and 4-4 in the NSIC. The Bulldogs fall to 7-5 overall, and are also 4-4 in conference play.

UMD, which entered this weekend giving up 66.0 points per game (31st in NCAA II), allowed 96 points on 58.3 percent shooting, both season-highs allowed. The Bulldogs have allowed 90-plus points four times in the past two seasons with two of those occasions coming in Lysaker Gymnasium. Harrison Cleary amassed 29 points and Chase Knickerbocker chipped in 20 points for the Golden Eagles, who have won three straight.

The pace set by Minnesota Crookston was too much for UMD to maintain as the Golden Eagles threw up 46 points before the half and added 50 more in the second half.

The Bulldogs shot 50 percent from the floor on 29-of-28 shooting. They also went 10-for-22 behind the arc. However, UMD struggled at the free-throw line and turned the ball over too many times to keep up with the high-tempo offense. The Bulldogs missed 11 free throws (20-for-31) and lost the ball on 12 possessions. The 12 turnovers was one short of tying their season high. It was only the second time this season UMD lost the turnover battle as Minnesota Crookston had eight turnovers.

The sloppy play and missed free points hindered any ability of the Bulldogs getting back into contention. The Golden Eagles pushed their lead to double digits 7:15 into the first half and UMD could only close it to within six points twice. Every time the Bulldogs would make a run, Minnesota Crookston had a response waiting and built their lead back. UMD made one last run with under five minutes but only chipped the 18-point deficit down to eight before the final horn sounded.

Senior forward Sean Burns led the Bulldog offense with 19 points. Burns hit on eight field goals and pulled down seven rebounds including a season high five offensive rebounds. Junior guard Trevor Entwisle exploded for 17 points including knocking down five triples. Entwisle helped UMD defeat Bemidji State University with his savvy play down the stretch and he was rewarded today by dropping a season high, two off his career best. Junior forward Brandon Myer posted his fifth double-double of the year with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Myer needs five points to become the 38th Bulldog to join the 1,000-point club. Freshman guard Mason Steffen tied his career high with nine points. He was 3-for-3 from three-point range, the second time he has accomplished that task this season. Junior guard Logan Rohrscheib dished out a team-high five assists.

UMD will have five days to prep for its home NSIC battle against the University of Mary. That conference showdown at Romano will take place Friday, Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m.