Daniel Harkins has career night

On a night when Senior guard Daniel Harkins scored a career high 23 points going 10-18 from the field, the Sioux fell to Southwest Minnesota State 78-73. Harkins was able to get into the lane and finish all throughout the night.

The Sioux led for most of the first half stretching their lead to as big as eight. But the Mustangs were able to keep it close heading into half time down 31-29 despite shooting 30 percent from the field. John DeRock came out firing for the Mustangs in the second half.

Southwest Minnesota went on a 13-2 run in the first 6:11 of the second half. SMSU would go up 66-56 with 4:18 remaining, which resulted in a deficit too large for UND to overcome.

DeRock scored 15 of his career high 24 points in the second half going 7-9 from three point range in the game. After going 3-11 from the three point line in the first half the Mustangs shot 7-12 in the second half and ended up shooting an impressive 57.7 percent from the field.

Three other Mustangs scored in double figures, as Nick Dale had a career high 13 points. Senior guard Ryan Krome added 10 points and Sophomore forward Taylor Huseby scored 11. Senior guard Darius Joseph scored 14 points for the Sioux making 9-10 free throws. UND Senior forward O.J. Harrison had a team high eight rebounds to go along with 11 points before fouling out late in the game.

The physical match up between the two teams caused the Sioux to get into foul trouble throughout the night. Redshirt freshman Pat Mitchell also fouled out of the game. The Mustangs shot 34 free throws making 20 compared to the Sioux who shot 22 free throws making 15. Ross DeMasi had a game high 11 rebounds for the Mustangs. SMSU out rebounded UND 43-40 on the night. UND's comeback attempt came up short after Daniel Harkins had to force up a three point shot with time running down.

Harkins came up short on the attempt and the clock ran out. The loss brought UND to 1-1 and SMSU improved to 4-0. Next up for the Sioux is Bemidji State who they host Saturday at the Betty Engelstad Arena at 2 pm.

The Sioux will be on the road until December 10th after Saturday's game. Bemidji State is coming off a pair of losses including a heart breaking loss to Jamestown College 53-52. UND will look to gain momentum before they head out to play in the Wisconsin-Parkside Tournament.