Central Lakes College 68 - Minnesota State 66

Minnesota State traveled to Brainerd on Saturday to take on Central Lakes College.  The Spartans got off to a quick start by grabbing an early 9-2 lead behind the shooting of Yonis Mohamud and Akok Aguer. The two combined for a series of three pointers that seemed to jump start the Spartans on their second consecutive day of competition on the road. However, Central Lakes came back with a 10 to 0 run of there own that they would not relinquish much of by holding a 37 to 30 lead at the break.

M-State came out the second half determined to get themselves back in the game.  However, CLC was able to hold on to this lead before Mohamud and Aguer would again get hot from their shooting guard positions.  The two along with two strong post moves by Alex Dawson would bring the Spartans within five points.  The Spartans came out of the time out and cut the lead to 68-66 on another three-point basket by Mohamud.  The Spartan defense held strong and received the ball back with just 11 seconds to play.  The Spartans executed their out of bounds play allowing them an open three point shot that just missed its mark.  With only 2 seconds to play, the Spartans were forced to foul.  The Raiders missed their free throw which the Spartans quickly gathered and called time out.  After several time outs, the Spartans were not able to convert their final shot.  Central Lakes held on to the 68 -  66 victory which improved their record to 3-5 overall while the Spartans slipped to 5-4 in non-conference play.  The two teams will play each other again on Friday, December 16^th to see if the Spartans can even the score.

Minnesota State was led by Yonis Mohamud with 21 points including six three pointers.  Akok Aguer was close behind with 18 points which included 14 of those in the second half.  Central Lakes was led by Anthony Burch with 21 points.