(Minot, N.D.) -- The Minot State men's basketball team was able to close the non-conference portion of its schedule on a good note. The Beavers were victorious over Valley City State 81-64 on Tuesday night.

The first half of the game was closely contested with neither team ever getting out to a significant lead, and both sides were trading baskets throughout the half. It was 9-9 through the first five minutes of the half. Valley City State was able to pull out to a four-point lead with just over ten minutes to play. The Beavers would go on a small 5-0 run to take a 21-18 lead with over eight minutes to go in the first half. The two teams would remain trading scores until the Beavers were finally able to close the first half on a 9-0 run to take a 33-27 lead into the locker room.

The first five minutes of the second half would be more of the same, with both teams fighting back to keep the score tight. That would be the case until Valley City cut the deficit to three at 44-41. It was at that point that the Beavers decided to kick it into another gear. This started with a 10-1 run to give the Beavers their largest lead of the game at 54-42. The Beavers would be able to keep Valley City from coming much closer. The Vikings did cut it to a nine-point deficit at one point before being answered by back-to-back Beaver three-pointers to give the Beavers their largest lead of the game. The Vikings would not be able to crawl back any closer as the Beavers would roll to a 17-point victory.

Individually, the Beavers were led offensively by Kyle Beisch and Max Cody. Each of them set a new career-high, scoring 28 and 25 points on the night. Both players were extremely effective, but in different ways with Beisch shooting 10-20 from the field, and 5-10 from three. Cody, however, shot 10-18 but only made one three-pointer. Cody added six rebounds and five assists. Stephane Manzi led the team, securing eight rebounds, and also added three blocks.

Media: For more information, contact the Coordinator of Sports Information Josh Van Valkenburg-Gernert.