"Itasca is a very talented offensive team," said Spartan Head Coach Shawn Sorenson.  "Our defense is improving, but when we had chances to cut it to a one possession game our defense couldn't get two stops in a row when we needed it."

Samuel Priem led M State with 17 points, Martin LaFond added 14 and TJ Martin contributed 11. Aaron Solberg finished with 7 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Itasca held NJCAA Division III Player of the Week Austin Miller to just 2 points on 1-of-10 shooting. M State hit 46.7% (28-60) of their field goal attempts, including 40% (12-30) from beyond the arc. They struggled at the free throw line, making only 9-of-17. 

Itasca dominated the boards, 36-22, with Torez Kinchen grabbing 12 boards and scoring a game high 27 points. Devonte Morgan made 12-of-13 free throws on the way to a 24 point performance and Jemel Manjo added 16. Itasca made 50% (26-52) of their shots from the field and 50% (13-26) of their treys. They also buried 92% (23-25) free throws in the game.

The Spartans take a 4-4 record into their final home game before the Christmas break when they welcome Mayville State JV to Fergus Falls on Saturday for a 3:00pm contest.