Mayville, N.D. - The Comets Men's Basketball team hosted the Northwest Indian College Eagles for a home doubleheader at the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse. Mayville State established a big lead early and hot shooting and cruised to a 99-66 victory.

Head coach Brandon McGruder commented on tonights win, "We have another quick turnaround a alot to think about. I really admired NWIC's tenacity and toughness tonight. They were physical and fearless and it showed. We have to play with a purpose and passion. I hope we can ignite that spark tomorrow."

The first five minutes were close as the Eagles kept up with the Comets pace. The next five minutes was dominated by Mayville State, as the Comets ripped off a 15-1 run to boost their lead to 26-11.

Mayville State used effective cutting to get easy layups to bump the lead up to 26 at one point and went into the halftime break ahead 55-34. The Comets shot 55% from the field and compiled 12 assists in the first half.

The Eagles came out of the break strong and knocked five points off the Comets lead seven minutes into the second half. Mayville State used a timeout to collect themselves and quickly re-established a 20 point plus advantage.

The Comets continued to attack the paint and connected on 11 of 14 free throws to keep adding to their lead. Mayville State's bench played strong at the end of the game and just missed cracking the century mark, winning 99-66.

Thomas Gieske led the Comets on the night with 18 points making it 15 straight games in double figures. Jacob Strand had a career high with 17.

"Strand is a catalyst for our program. He does all the small things to help us win and he's been playing fearless. I'm excited to see him continue to grow and help us win," said McGruder.

BJ Woods and Stevan Garza reached double figures with 11 apiece and combined for eight assists and six steals. Garza's 11 points was his career high.

Keyshaun Bolen grabbed eight boards, Juan Carlos Canahuate dished out five assists and Jesse Bergh blocked three shots.

The win gives the Comets a 4-2 record on the season. The two teams will play again tomorrow, tip off is 2:00pm.