BISMARCK, N.D. -- The Minot State offense put on a ball-movement clinic on the road Tuesday, recording 19 assists on 28 made shots, but the Beavers fell to the Mary Marauders, 72-69, in the NSIC opener for both teams.

The Beavers (1-2 overall, 0-1 NSIC) had three players score in double figures, led by Cam'ron Dunfee who had 17 points. Jaxon Gunville tacked on 13 points and six assists, and Connor Hollenbeck helped out with 11 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals.

The Minot State offense was very productive from beyond the arc, pouring in eight threes on 21 attempts. Dunfee was the most prolific shooter for the Beavers, draining three treys in the contest.

Minot State forced 15 Mary turnovers while committing 10 themselves in Tuesday's game. The Beavers turned those takeaways into 14 points on the offensive end of the floor. Hollenbeck's three steals led the way for Minot State.

Coach's Comments
"That was a high-intensity game for a November matchup," Minot State's Matt Murken said  "We took big strides forward in the way we played on both offense and defense. We just didn't make enough plays to overcome some foul trouble and adversity.

"You have to be tough as nails to win on the road in conference and we are still growing into that."

How It Happened

After falling behind 2-0, Minot State went on a 7-0 run with 18:48 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Hollenbeck, to take a 7-2 lead. The Beavers then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 28-26 advantage. Minot State did most of its first half damage in the paint, scoring 16 of its 28 points close to the basket.

Mary proceeded to take a 41-36 lead before Minot State went on an 11-0 run, finished off by Khari Broadway's layup, to seize a 47-41 lead with 12:23 to go in the contest. Mary re-asserted control, outscoring the Beavers 31-22 the rest of the way to hand Minot State the 72-69 loss. Minot State shot well from three-point range in the half, hitting six shots from deep to score 18 of its 41 points.

 

Game Notes

» Minot State found success from three-point land, knocking down eight treys in the game.
» The Beavers shared the ball well, recording an assist on 68 percent of made baskets.
» The Minot State defense forced 15 turnovers.
» Minot State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
» Cam'ron Dunfee led the Beavers with 17 points.
» Minot State got six rebounds from both Calvin Sisk and Connor Hollenbeck.

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