FARGO, N.D. - The Minot State men's basketball team started the night strong but could not keep up with the pace of the NCAA Division I Bison, concluding preseason play with an 85-54 exhibition loss at North Dakota State University on Monday.

A 3-pointer by Ben Bohl put the Beavers on top 7-2 just 3 minutes into the contest, and a Melvin Newbern jumper game visiting Minot State a 13-10 advantage with about 14 minutes left until halftime before the Bison used an 11-0 run over the next five minutes to take control.

A Max Cody layup at the buzzer sent the teams into the lockerroom with the Beavers trailing just 38-24 before North Dakota State pulled away in the second half.

Eli Cave led the way with 12 points on the night for Minot State while Cody had 11 point and three assists, and Newbern added eight points and seven rebounds for the Beavers.

Last time out
The Beavers are coming off of thrilling 98-93 victory against the Valley City State University Vikings on Tuesday, Oct. 26, in their other exhibition game.

Return to play
The Minot State Beavers open the regular season on Friday, Nov. 12, against Harding University to kick off the 2021 GAC Conference Challenge. Minot State makes its home debut on Tuesday, Nov. 16, at the MSU Dome hosting Dickinson State at 7:30 p.m., part of a women's and men's basketball doubleheader against the Blue Hawks. The women's basketball teams tip off the night's action at 5:30 p.m.