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MACOMB, Ill. – The North Dakota State men's basketball team opened Summit League play with a 68-50 victory over Western Illinois on Saturday afternoon inside Western Hall.
 
The Bison led from start to finish, jumping out to an 8-0 lead in the first three minutes and never trailing. NDSU held a 39-23 advantage at halftime, and pushed its margin to as many as 21 points in the second half.
 
The Bison received contributions across the board from multiple players, topped by senior forward Rocky Kreuser with 17 points. Sophomore Maleeck Harden-Hayes put up 16 points and five rebounds, Tyree Eady had 13 points and four assists, and Sam Griesel registered a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
 
NDSU shot 47 percent for the game and limited the Leathernecks to 30-percent shooting. The Bison made 9-of-19 (47 percent) from beyond the arc, while WIU went 4-of-16 (25 percent).
 
NDSU freshman Dezmond McKinney recorded four points, six rebounds and four assists in a season-high 25 minutes.
 
The Bison have now won 16 of the last 17 games vs. the Leathernecks.
 
The Bison and Leathernecks play again on Sunday, with tip scheduled for approximately 3:30 p.m. CT following the women's game between NDSU and WIU.