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Spartan women, men defeat Blue Jays
Published 10:48am Thursday, January 10, 2013In their first games at home, the M State Spartan Women and Men’s basketball teams were able to notch wins over the Minnesota West Blue Jays Wednesday.
In Women’s action, the Spartans were able to pick up a MCAC Southern Division win 64-59.
M State struggled from the field going 25 of 73, but the shear quantity of shots gave them the edge in the contest.
Alyssa Blair led the M State Women with 17 points, 15 of which came in the second half. Teammates Maria Johnson (15), Rhoda Christenson (12) and Morgan Kapphahn were all in double figures in the victory.
The Blue Jays’ Brittany Hulstein was a force to be reckoned with as she scored 24 points in the game.
Minnesota West controlled the glass in the game pulling down 52 rebounds compared to the hosting Spartans’ 38.
The M State fans were able to celebrate again as the Spartan Men took care of business on their home court, defeating the Blue Jays 81-70.
M State was in controlled of the game from the get go as they headed for the locker rooms at the break up 37-25.
In the second half, Minnesota West looked to rally, but just as the visitor looked to be moving forward, the Spartans would respond. The Blue Jays were unable to make a move as the clock winded down, giving the host the victory.
The Spartans saw five players get into double figures in scoring. Luke Halbakken put up a team high 21 points, while teammates Shane Bosek (18), Chuckie Smith (13), Bee Pee Pajibo (10) and Boomer Blossom (10) gave M State a well balanced scoring threat. Blossom would also pull down 10 boards to record a double-double in the victory.
Tyler Aquallo led the Blue Jay shooters with 19 tallies in the loss.
M State was able to take advantage of their opportunities at the free throw line as they went 26 of 34 from the charity stripe.
The Spartan Men are 3-0 since the winter break, winning two games last weekend at the Itasca Classic
The Spartans will once again host a double-header match up as they welcome in the Anoka-Ramsey Rams Saturday. The M State Women’s tip-off is set for 1 p.m., while the Men will start at 3 p.m.
