MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University's defense held pretty much throughout Friday's win over Wayne State College.

It got a little ragged at times offensively for both teams, but MSU's defense never wavered.

"We guarded well for most of the game," said MSU head coach Matt Murken. "Actually one of the times we guarded the worst was when we stretched out the lead. They missed some shots and we were fortunate in that regard. Offensively we started pretty slowly and then the last 30 minutes played pretty well on the offensive end."

The Beavers' defense held WSC to just 37 percent shooting on the night to earn its second straight conference win, 76-60 Friday in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference men's basketball at the Minot State Dome.

Minot State (11-10 overall, 6-9 NSIC) took a nine-point halftime lead and stretched it to as many as 20 on a jumper by Nathan Mertens (So., G, Devils Lake, N.D.) with 14:41 to play in the game.

But, the Beavers were never able to fully shake the Wildcats (4-17, 1-14) in the second half. WSC trimmed the lead to 11 a couple of times in the second half, the final time on a free throw by Kendall Jacks with 2:47 to play.

Minot State, however, pushed it back to a nearly 20-point advantage on free throws by Mertens, Dominique McDonald (Jr., G, Raleigh, N.C.) and Tyler Rudolph (Fr., F, Bismarck, N.D.) who combined to go 7 for 8 down the stretch.

"It really started with Dominque at the point," Mertens said. "He knew when to attack and when to pull it out and run the offense. It seemed whenever they'd get close he'd make a basket or have an assist."

McDonald was solid all night, but was especially good in the second half, finishing with 16 of his game-high 18 after the break. He added four assists and a rebound and was 8 of 10 from the line.

The Beavers were solid from the stripe as a team with Everett Robinson (Sr., G, Grand Junction, Colo.) hitting 9 of 10 to help MSU to a 30-for-38 performance. MSU outscored WSC 30-12 on free throws.

The Wildcats had four in double figures, while three players – Trae VandeBerg, Jordan Cornelius and Jacks – scored 11 points apiece in the loss.

Robinson was steady, as he has been all season for MSU, with eight rebounds, an assist and a steal to go with his 17 points. Lamont Prosser (Sr., F, Fort Wayne, Ind.) notched another double-double with 12 points, 13 rebounds and added three assists, while Thomas Korf (Sr., F, St. Cloud, Minn.) and Rudolph scored nine and eight respectively in the win.

The Beavers finish off a four-game homestand with a matchup with No. 5 ranked Augustana College Saturday evening starting at 6 p.m.

"It's a great opportunity," said Murken, "when you play a top 10 team in the country on your home court. That's why we coach basketball and why we play basketball."