GRAND FORKS, N.D. — True freshmen
Jamal Webb (Buffalo, N.Y.) and
Aaron Anderson (Brooklyn Park, Minn.) each scored 15 points to lead the University of North Dakota men's basketball team past Mayville State, 74-57, in non-conference action at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center on Tuesday.
Webb and Anderson were joined in double figures by classmate
Troy Huff (Milwaukee, Wis.) and junior
Patrick Mitchell (Des Moines, Iowa) as both scored 10 points in what was the best shooting effort of the season by UND (4-6). Mitchell led that effort with an efficient 4-for-5 from the floor as the team shot 50.9 percent (27-for-53).
“I thought our focus was really good after coming off a tough rivalry game last Saturday,” UND head coach
Brian Jones said. “Our guys came out with a sense of urgency and put an entire 40-minute game together and that is something we can build on going into these next two road games.”
The Sioux used a 9-0 run midway through the first half to take control of the contest as they avenged a loss to the Comets from last season. Sophomore
Spencer Goodman (Jackson, Mo.) sparked the run when his driving layup tied the score at 12-12. Goodman was fouled on the play and made his free throw and UND would never trail again.
“Our guards were tremendous tonight,” Jones added. “We played defense like we know we can and that led to a lot of easy layups on the other end.”
Huff, who reached double figures for the fourth time this time, had three steals and sophomore
Jordan Allard (Fargo, N.D.) had two blocks as the Sioux forced 14 turnovers and held Mayville State to just a 40 percent shooting effort. Junior Shavontae Samuels provided most of the Comets' offense, pouring in a game-high 26 points. Dalonte Gibson added 12 for MSU.
Webb not only had a good scoring night for the Sioux, but he also had season highs with nine rebounds and five assists. Webb's effort helped the Sioux hold a 37-28 edge on the glass. Mitchell added seven boards.
The Sioux shot 80 percent from the free throw line, sinking 16 of 20 shots, while the Comets converted just 60 percent of their attempts (9-for-15). Anderson went a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe, scoring 10 of his 15 points after the break.
Allard also added a season-high eight points off the bench as UND's outscored Mayville State's bench 39-11.
UND will return to action for a pair of road games before the Christmas break as the Sioux travel to UMKC to face the Kangaroos on Saturday at Noon before heading north to Wisconsin to face Green Bay on Monday at 7 p.m.
– Go Sioux –
