In a game that featured 11 lead changes, Northern State put together one closing surge to secure a 78-71 men’s college basketball win over Minnesota Crookston Thursday night.

The Wolves, who trailed by as much as seven points in the opening half, pulled away from a 65-63 lead in the final five minutes to claim the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference victory at Wachs Arena.

Joshua Book scored eight of his 12 points during the final run, as the Wolves improved to 9-8 in NSIC action.

Simon Akena topped the Wolves with 21 points, going 7-of-10 from the field. Tobi Obiora followed with 17 points and also grabbed nine rebounds. James Glenn contributed 10 points.

Northern, 9-14 on the season, plays host to Minnesota State Moorhead at 6 p.m. Saturday at Wachs Arena.

To see a complete box score from Thursday’s game, click on the following link:

https://nsuwolves.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2025-26/minn-crookston/boxscore/14126