MSUM at Northern State
- What: First round of the NSIC playoffs
- When: 7 tonight
- Where: Wachs Arena
1 Justyn time
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Junior forward Justyn Burgess missed several games down the stretch with injury but led the team with 13 points in just 24 minutes per game off the bench. Burgess needs to be the offensive leader for the Dragons to advance.
2 Slow the pace
Crushed by injuries down the stretch, MSUM went 4-11 in the second half of the season. The best chance to advance is to set the pace of the game. That pace is sloooooooow.
3 Tune out the crowd
Northern State averaged 3,154 rowdy fans at home this season. The teams was 16-1 at Wachs Arena. Don't get rattled. Things could get ugly in a hurry if composure is lost.
4 Stick like glue
The only team to beat the Wolves this season is No. 3-ranked Winona State. The Warriors held Northern State to an average of 63 points in two wins. That's 19 points shy of the Wolves' season average.
5 Let it all hang out
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You are a No. 7 seed in the NSIC playing a top-five team in NCAA Division II. Not many expect you to advance. Find that chip on your shoulder, and use it.
- Heath Hotzler
Today's probable starters
MSUM (14-13 overall, 7-11 NSIC)
G Andy Thompson 5-11 So 6.2
G Grant Fossum 6-0 Jr 7.4
G Craig Williams 6-2 Sr 6.0
G Jamal O'Neal 6-5 Jr 10.5
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C Kyle Nelson 6-9 Sr 7.4
Northern State (25-2 overall, 16-2 NSIC)
G Craig Nelson 5-11 Sr 11.1
G Kyle Schwan 6-1 Jr 6.6
G Dan DeWitt 6-3 Sr 3.8
F Kevin Ratzsch 6-5 Jr 16.7
F Levi Hamilton 6-6 Sr 12.5
