First-year guard Paul Burns dropped 22 points, leading the University of North Dakota to a 78-70 win over the St. Thomas men’s basketball team Thursday at Schoenecker Arena.
The Tommies haven’t been able to secure a win in nine games; they last beat Western Illinois on Jan. 1. St. Thomas (8-16, 2-10 Summit League) led the Fighting Hawks (6-20, 2-11) for a majority of the first half, with four of five Tommie starters finishing with over 10 points in the contest.
The Tommies were able to jump out to a seven-point lead early in the game. However, the Fighting Hawks kept it close, going into halftime down two points, 36-34.
North Dakota was able to take advantage of the Tommies’ unorganized defense, starting the second half with nine unanswered points.
“We really played uncharacteristically on defense the first 10 minutes of the half,” coach John Tauer said. “That really gave them the lead.”
St. Thomas shot an abysmal 34% from the field and 21% from three in the second half. The Tommies were out-rebounded 40-26 on the night, allowing the Fighting Hawks to extend possessions and run the clock in the second half.
“There were a lot of long possessions where they missed and got the rebound,” Tauer said. “That certainly shortened the game and made it tougher to come back.”
The Tommies’ offense was able to put up 10 unanswered points late in the second half, reducing the deficit to five points, electrifying the home crowd.
“I thought our guys fought really hard to get us back into the game,” Tauer said.
However, the Fighting Hawks were able to put the game away, going 5-for-5 from the line in the closing minute.
“They were tougher than we were on the glass tonight,” Tauer said. “We’re not thrilled with the outcome but excited to get back on the court.”
The Tommies will return to Schoenecker Arena at 7 p.m. Saturday to take on North Dakota State University.
Derek Badger can be reached at badg7629@stthomas.edu.