San Juan, PR. – Those that have been around North Dakota for a long time know just how good a trip to the south would be at around this time of the year. Luckily for Minot State men's basketball, they get to endure a rare and unique road trip, where they will be spending some time in Puerto Rico.

The Beavers will be in action for the Puerto Rico classic for a three-day midseason invitational in San Juan, where they will face some local ball clubs in the tropics.

Minot State sets out for Puerto Rico for the first time since early in the 2018-19 season. They had also made a prior trip during the 2014-15 season as well, so the Beavers will be coming in with some familiarity amongst the locals.

Kicking things off tomorrow, Minot State (2-0) will face University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras at 10:00 a.m. (AST). The Beavers have a history with them, as they currently hold a 1-1 record against Rio Piedras all-time. Their first meeting was back on November 18, 2014, where the Beavers won 67-62 but then lost a nail-biter 50-49 on November 22, 2018.

Day two (Friday) will have Minot State battling University of Puerto Rico – Bayamon, which is also set for a 10:00 a.m. (AST) start. Just like Rio Piedras, the Beavers also contested Bayamon one time previously on November 16, 2014. Bayamon took that one by a score of 59-52.

And to wrap up the Puerto Rico Classic, Minot State faces University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez on Saturday. Tip off is set for 10:00 a.m. (AST). This will be the first time the Beavers take on Mayaguez, so there will be some newness that comes out of the trip.

Minot State is off to a good start in the 2024-25 campaign, having won their first two games on the road in Duluth, MN for the Conference Challenge. The Beavers are coming off wins against East Central University (108-99 3OT) and Southeastern Oklahoma State (77-69) as new faces get adjusted and returners feel out some increased roles.

Against East Central, all 5 Beaver starters consisting of Jalen Cook, Ayouba Berthe, Caleb Van De Griend, Jaxon Gunville, and Sam West hit double-digit scoring. In the game versus Southeastern Oklahoma, 3 players hit double figures (Berthe, Gunville, and Cook) to lead the Beavers to victory.