Box Score Box Score

MARSHALL, Minn.- It was another opponent's fast start that doomed the Minot State University men's basketball team, as they lost their third consecutive game Saturday night.

Southwest Minnesota State University (14-11 overall 11-7 NSIC) shot 62 percent from the floor in the first half on their way to a 78-68 Northern Sun win against the Beavers.

Minot State (8-14 overall 7-11 NSIC) trailed by as many as 15 points in the first half, but cut the SMSU lead to just six with 1:02 remaining in the game.

Clutch free-throw shooting along with two layups sealed the win for SMSU, marking a three-game winning streak for the Mustangs.

Tramel Barnes went a perfect 6 of 6 from the field, leading the Mustangs in scoring with 17 points. Jordan Miller and Nick Smith pitched in with 15 points and 13 points, respectively.

Minot State had four players in double figures, led by E.J. Williams (Jr., Guard, Raleigh, N.C.) with 13 points. Josh Johnson (Sr., Forward, Lufkin, Texas) put together his first double-double of the season with 12 points and a team-high 13 rebounds in the loss.

Adam Randall (So., Guard, Steele, N.D.) scored 12 points and grabbed nine rebounds while freshman Dominique McDonald scored 11 points.

Minot State proved to be dominant on the glass yet again, as they outrebounding Southwest 37-29. The Beavers were especially effective on the offensive glass, grabbing 16 offensive rebounds and turning them into 15 second-chance points.

MISU will now look to end their losing streak, as they travel home to host NSIC Northern Division rivals Bemidji State (Feb. 15 8 p.m.) and Minnesota, Crookston (Feb. 16 6 p.m.) in the MSU Dome.