Purdue Fort Wayne
North Dakota State
Mastodons Fall in Finale
3/3/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 3, 2007
Fargo, ND - Sophomore forward Brett Winkleman scored a game-high 18 points as North Dakota State avenged an earlier loss to IPFW with a 73-57 win over the Mastodons on Saturday night at the Bison Sports Arena.
The Mastodons finish the season at 12-17, the best mark ever for the program at the Division I level.
The 'Dons opened the game with a dunk from junior forward Jaraun "Keno" Burrows, but that is the last lead IPFW would have in the contest.
North Dakota State (20-8) broke open a close first half, as Winkleman's lay up gave the Bison a 26-15 lead at the 3:52 mark.
Sophomore guard Mike Nelson hit a 3-pointer with under a minute remaining left in the half as the Bison took a 34-21 lead into intermission.
In the second half, NDSU increased their lead to 19 on a jumper by sophomore guard Ben Woodside.
IPFW could only get as close as 12 the rest of the way as sophomore guard Jakari Johnson hit a triple.
The Bison registered four players in double-figures. Winkleman added 10 rebounds to his 18 points for a double-double.
Senior forward Andre Smith also booked a double-double with 13 points and 14 boards.
Burrows led the 'Dons with 16 points and seven rebounds.
Junior guard Chris Perkins was the only other Mastodon in double-figures with 13 points.
Junior guard Demetrius Johnson set a personal best with eight assists.
The Bison out-rebounded IPFW 39-29.
Tonight's contest was the final in the careers of seniors Tyler Best, Justin Hawkins and Quintin Carouthers.
~Dons~
