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Purdue Fort Wayne
North Dakota
Mastodons Top Fighting Sioux in North Dakota
11/24/2010 12:16:47 AM | Men's Basketball
Box Score
Grand Forks, ND - Four Mastodons scored in double-figures as IPFW moved to 2-2 on the season with a 71-61 win over the University of North Dakota on Tuesday night at the Betty Englestad Sioux Center.
Senior Ben Botts led the IPFW scoring barrage with 16 point including a number of huge free throws down the stretch.
IPFW jumped out to a 17-point lead in the first half on the strength of seven 3-pointers. But the Fighting Sioux battled back to within 10 at halftime as freshman guard Troy Huff hit a half-court shot at the buzzer, making it 40-30 'Dons at the intermission.
In the second half, UND began to get their transition game going and converted baskets off of three Mastodon turnovers to cut the IPFW lead to six at 59-53 with 6:07 remaining.
Sophomore guard Frank Gaines, who was able to get to the rim on a number of occasions, slashed to the basket, scored and was fouled. Gaines dropped the freebie to give IPFW back a 10-point cushion at 65-55.
North Dakota made one final push and on a triple by guard Josh Schuler and a pair of free throws by guard Aaron Anderson closed to within four at 65-61.
The Fighting Sioux (2-2) had a chance to cut it to two, but junior forward John Peckinpaugh made the defensive play of the game, diving to the floor to tie up a loose ball and give possession to IPFW. The Mastodons went 6-6 from the foul line over the final :24 to seal the win.
Botts, who had four of the final six free throws, also had four steals in the game. Senior guard Zach Plackemeier tossed in 15 points and had seven rebounds and six assists. Junior forward Trey McCorkle also had 15 points and was 9-10 from the charity stripe. Gaines rounded out the four double-digit scorers for the 'Dons with 14. Gaines had a team-high eight rebounds.
North Dakota was led by freshman guard Jamal Webb with 15. The Sioux won the battle of the boards, 39-34, but committed 17 turnovers.
With the win, IPFW improves to 2-2. The Mastodons return to action on Saturday afternoon, hosting Judson University at 1:00 p.m.
~Dons~
