The Riverland men’s basketball team struggled with rebounds and turnovers in a 106-69 loss to Minnesota State of Fergus Falls in Riverland Gym Wednesday.

The Blue Devils (12-9 overall, 3-3 MCAC South) had 27 turnovers and allowed 18 offensive rebounds as the No. 10 ranked Spartans (17-4 overall, 4-2 MCAC South) ended up with 20 extra shots on the night.

“Our bigs have to do a much better job,” RCC head coach Dan Swift said. “They can’t get sealed off and they have to box out. It’s the basics that we didn’t do today.”

RCC never led but it pulled to within 23-20 after Chris Jahr hit a three-pointer with 8:34 left in the game. From that point, the Spartans pulled off a 17-2 run to put it out of reach.

RCC is now halfway through their schedule and they are in fourth place after losing to the three ranked teams in the conference.

“The difference between us and them is the defensive pressure,” Swift said. “I don’t have an issue with our starting five, but our bench isn’t as deep and we need some guys to step up.”

Riverland guard DeAaron Hearn was selected Southern Division player of the week for the past week. Hearn, who is from Minneapolis, averaged 26.5 points, 5 rebounds, 4.5 steals, and 3 assists the last week. He was 36 percent (8-for-22) on threes and 90 percent (9-for-10) on free throws.

FF 49 57 — 106

RCC 28 41 — 69

RCC scoring: Nicco Montgomery, 19; DeAaron Hearn, 13; Josh Davis, 12; Chris Jahr, 9; Denzel Smith, 4; Jordan Jarland, 2; field goals: 41 percent (26-for-63); three-pointers: 23 percent (3-for-13); free throws: 78 percent (14-for-18); rebounds: 40 (Davis, 12); turnovers: 27

Fergus Falls scoring: LeDarian Horton, 22; Bryan Jacklitch, 21; Gerad Baptiste, 16; August Fleming, 10; DeWon McKenzie, 10; Freddie Burton, 8; Travon McKee, 7; Cod Aasness, 4; Eric Shulstad, 2; field goals: 46 percent (39-for-84); three-pointers: 39 percent (9-for-23); free throws: 79 percent (19-for-24)