The Spartans got off to a fast start by grabbing an early 9-0 lead which was the result of the first three point shots going in.  Foday Sheriff converted on two of them which contributed to his game high 19 points.  The lead stayed between 7 an d9 for most of the first half until a Northland run cut the lead to four, but a steal and highlight windmill dunk by Akok Aguer gave the Spartans the momentum at the half by securing a 36-28 lead at the intermission.

Northland came out strong in the second half as the game was pretty much a four point affair until the Spartans went on a 22-6 run to push their lead to 20 points.  Mikele Kambalo scored six points in this stretch, as did Noel Kabanga.  The Spartans were able to convert some steals into fast breaks which allowed M State to win their first game of the season.

Sheiff led the way with 19.  Kambalo scored 17 points while dishing out 6 assists.  Aguer and Kabanga rounded out the double-figure scoring by netting 14 and 11, respectively.

Northland was led by A.J. Jennings with 15 and D'Mani Nettles with 14.

M State will play in Sisseton on Wednesday night, followed by a rematch with Northland in Thief River Falls on Tuesday, November 22.