The Minot State men's basketball team returns home this weekend for a pair of NSIC contests. On Friday, Dec. 17 the Beavers host the Golden Eagles of Minnesota Crookston at 5:30 p.m. Followed by a 3:30 p.m. tip-off on Saturday, Dec. 18 versus the Bemidji State University Beavers.

Last time out
Minot State enters the weekend losers of two in a row, on Saturday, Dec. 11 the Beavers were bested by the Huskies of St. Cloud State University 82-67. Prior to that, Minot State lost to the Bulldogs of Minnesota Duluth 91-73.

Leading the way
Senior Melvin Newbern leads the way for the Beavers during the two-game skid, averaging 18 points per game while also posting his sixth double-double of the season against St. Cloud State University.

Scouting the Golden Eagles
The University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles enter the weekend with a record of 4-7 (1-4). Minnesota Crookston looks to end their four game NSIC losing streak against Minot State, three of the four losses over the streak come by no less than 15 points. The Golden Eagles provide a balanced offensive attack with four scorers averaging more than 10 points, led by Redshirt Junior guard Ethan Channel with over 12 points per game.

Scouting Bemidji State
The Bemidji State University Beavers enter the weekend with a record of 4-5 (1-4). Losers of four of their last five, Bemidji State looks to get into a groove offensively against Minot State. In their five NSIC contests, the Beavers have scored more than 70 points only one time. Despite team struggles, Senior guard Travis Bianco has found a way to post a team high 13 points per game.

Next time out
After this weekend, the Beavers return to action on Sunday, Jan. 2 at 2:00 p.m. in Bismarck, ND., looking to avenge their first conference loss of the season against in state rival University of Mary.