Coming off of Southern Miss’ worst offensive showing since 2005, the Golden Eagles shot 64.4 percent from the field as they beat North Dakota State 78-65.

Five different players scored in double figures for USM with Matt Bingaya leading the way with 15 points followed by Chip Armelin with 14 and Rasham Suarez with 13. Norville Carey provided his regular spark off the bench with ten points and five rebounds.

The Golden Eagles dominated the first ten minutes of the game, opening up a 26-7 lead following an 11-0 run. USM excelled with pressure defense and transition offense to end the half with a 39-21 lead.

At the half, USM was shooting 65 percent from the field and 50 percent from deep while NDSU shot just 33 percent from the field and 27 percent from deep.

“I knew going into this basketball game that North Dakota State was a good team and I was concerned about us offensively,” said Southern Miss head coach Doc Sadler. “But, we shared the ball tonight and anytime we do that, we’ll have a chance to be a good team.”

Following a three pointer from Chris Kading and another from Lawrence Alexander, NDSU cut the lead to 12 and would get within ten points with just over seven minutes to play, but that was as close as they got.

Suarez drilled two three pointers to highlight a 10-3 run spanning three minutes to put the game out of reach.

The key to the game was USM shooting lights out all game and getting great looks. 15 of USM’s 29 made field goal attempts were assisted on which was indicative of their excellent ball movement all night.

The Golden Eagles (4-2) will look to string together a couple of wins during their home stand, beginning with matchup Saturday against Rhode Island at 7 p.m.