Men's basketball gives scare to North Dakota State

The Pipers (0-1), playing in their first game of the season, trailed by just five points after first-year guard Jon DeRock's three-pointer with 11:26 left in the game made the score 57-52.

The Bison (1-1) would score the next eight points of the game and later extended the lead to 78-59 on a Ben Woodside three-pointer. Woodside scored 13 of his game-high 23 points during the spurt that lasted 6:52.

Mike Nelson added 21 points on 8 of 11 shooting for the Bison. Brett Winkelman had 17 points and Andre Smith chipped in 12.

Hamline was led by DeRock's 14 points. He was 4 of 13 from the field, including 4 of 8 from beyond the arc with six rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Sophomore forward Joe Smock added 13 points on 4 of 8 shooting from three-point range. Junior Chris Babcock provided a spark off the bench with 12 points on a perfect 3 of 3 from the floor with two three-pointers and 4 of 4 from the free throw line. Sophomore Kory Kelzer added 11 points.

The Pipers were 15 of 31 from beyond the three-point line in the game, but 7 of 24 inside the arc. The Bison shot 53 percent for the game (28-53) including 58 percent in the second half (14-24).

The Pipers will play their home opener Tuesday night at Hutton Arena when they host Martin Luther. Game time is slated for 8:00 p.m.