Box Score MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University couldn't pull off the upset twice.

While Minot State's intensity picked up over the final 15 minutes, the Beavers couldn't get any closer than a seven point game.

St. Cloud State fought off a second-half rally to hold off Minot State 65-51 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference men's basketball Friday at the Minot State Dome.

“We didn't play with energy and aggressiveness in the first half,” said MISU head coach Matt Murken. When we focused on the present, and focused on what we needed to do, that's when we became successful. We played 20 minutes of good basketball, but in this league you need to play 40 or you're going to lose.”

The Beavers (6-11 overall, 5-8 NSIC) upset SCSU when the Huskies (14-3, 10-3) were riding high and ranked No. 19 in the country in early January. But this time around St. Cloud State's balance was too much to overcome.

Theo Rothstein led all scorers – and four SCSU players in double figures – with a game-high 23 points, hitting 4 of 5 3-pointers. The Huskies led the turnover battle 18-7 and turned the 18 Minot State miscues into 19 points.

But it was the turnover and subsequent increase in intensity that helped Minot State get back into the game. The Beavers cut the once 20-point lead to seven twice, first by Anthony Enriquez (Sr., G, Tacoma, Wash.) with 7:40 to play and then three possessions later by Adam Randall (So., G, Steele, N.D.) on a pair of free throws with 6:46 remaining.

“In the second half, we were getting it close and we had four or five opportunities to really get it close. We had good drives and good takes by our guys, but we just need to finish the plays,” said Murken.

The loss spoiled a great night on the boards for junior Chris East (G, Toronto, Ontario). East had a career high 18 rebounds to go along with eight points. He finished with seven offensive boards and helped the Beavers hold a 47-33 advantage on the glass.

“It was tough getting rebounds tonight going against 54 (Tim Bergstraser), but my mind was set on getting as many boards as I could,” East said. “Coach Murken and coach (Jack) Nelson really tell me to focus on rebounding. Rebounding is my thing and I don't care so much about scoring as long as I can contribute to the team.”

“When Chris dedicates himself to getting rebounds, he's a guy that can go get it,” added Murken. “He had 18 tonight and honestly he could have had more. He had a great game on the glass and I think it was his energy that turned us around in the second half. I would love to see him do that more consistently because he is only scratching the surface of what he could be for this team.”

Along with Rothstein, Jordan Poydras scored 15 points off the bench for SCSU. Shaun Jensen added 12 points and four assists, while Connor Niehaus added 11 points and five rebounds for the Huskies.

Enriquez paced the Beavers with 11 points and added two rebounds and a steals. Dominique McDonald (Fr., G, Raleigh, N.C.) and E.J. Williams (Jr., G, Raleigh, N.C.) both scored six points for Minot State.

Minot State will look to rebound in a Saturday NSIC clash against Minnesota Duluth beginning at 6 p.m. at the Minot State Dome.