WINDY CITY WINNER: Norse Beat Falcons, 79-65

CHICAGO---The Bay College men's basketball team dominated in the paint and rolled past the Truman College (Ill.) Falcons, 79-65, Saturday in Chicago.

Kobi Barnes scored 19 points and Chrisgtian Alexander added 13 for the Norse as they routinely attacked the basket against the NJCAA Division One opponent. Tyler Willette added nine points and Logan Hardwick had six points and several offensive rebounds.

Bay College led at the half, 39-31, and the Falcons closed to within six, 45-39, in the first three minutes of the half.

But the Norse went on an 11-0 run to take control of the game, with guards Alfonzo Fields and Marcus McKenney both scoring inside, Hardwick getting an offensive rebound and hoop, and Barnes driving for a basket and foul.

The Norse were also able to score from outside, with Ryan Arndt and Cade Contreras coming off the bench to knock down three-point baskets.

Arndt's triple gave the Norse their biggest lead of the game at 65-45 midway through the second half.

Fields and McKenney both scored nine points. Ryan Robinette, playing through a nasty case of the flu, made two three-point baskets in the first half.

Truman College (11-18) celebrated its Sophomore Night, honoring its two-year players and their parents. DuSaan Allen led all scorers with 27 points, including a dunk in the opening minutes of the game. Justin Parker added 14 points.

The Falcons went 6-for-14 at the free throw line. The Norse were 7-for-12.

While this was happening in Chicago, the Gogebic Community College Samsons were trying to upset Dakota County (Minn.) Technical College Saturday in Ironwood.

The Samsons rallied from double digit deficits on two occassions, and were within two points with twelve minutes left in the game.

But the heavily-favored Blue Knights won the game, 79-67. That result means that there will be a coin toss done to see if the Norse or Blue Knights will be the top seed in the region, and get a first-round playoff bye.

Meanwhile, the Norse will have a make-up game Monday night in Hancock against Finlandia University. The women's game starts at 5:30, the men will tip at 7:30. The games will be broadcast live on Maverick 106.3 FM.

Click the thumbnails in the ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS box above to see photos and videos, and listen to interviews with student manager Curtis Aiken, and assistant coach Narvelle Fernandez.Also, hear post-game comments from Fields and Norse Coach Matt Johnson.