MINOT, ND – It was a 'Battle of the Beavers' that did not disappoint as Minot State gets the last laugh in an 81-79 win over the Bemidji State Beavers at home Saturday.
Caleb Van De Griend collected 21 points in the win. He also added 9 rebounds to his 21-point game to lead the Beavers (11-0, 3-0 NSIC). Sam West helped out with 10 points and 3 steals, while Jalen Cook picked up 10 points himself and Jaxon Gunville chipped in with 14 points and 2 steals.
Ayouba Berthe got himself a huge stop on defense, securing the game-winning block on a three-point attempt from Bemidji to end it.
The Minot State offense was very productive from three-point land, knocking down 8 threes on 18 attempts. Gunville was the most prolific shooter for the Beavers, draining 4 treys in the contest.
Defend the Dome was a success, as Minot State was able to find a way late. Gunville and the Beavers (Minot) have seen how much a win like this shows what the team is capable of.
"I want to give credit to Bemidji. They are a tough-nosed team every time we play them. They are one of the more physical teams in the league and they never go away easy…I think it just shows how much we are willing to fight when things go south," Gunville said.
It indeed was a testament to that in the final possession when Berthe had the big block.
"I just saw five guys active on defense and playing together. I think that is the biggest thing about our team this year is that we got guys who are willing to play for each other. No matter who's got it going on any given night, the best thing to me about our team is that we are willing to play together," Gunville stated.
Minot State forced 17 Bemidji State turnovers while committing 10 themselves in Saturday's game. The Beavers turned those takeaways into 20 points on the offensive end of the floor. West's 3 steals led the way for Minot State.
How It Happened
After jumping out to an 8-6 advantage, Minot State went on a 7-0 run with 16:45 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Van De Griend, to increase its lead to 15-6. The Beavers then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 46-40 advantage. Minot State did most of its first half damage in the paint, scoring 26 of its 46 points close to the basket.
Bemidji State proceeded to take a 68-67 lead before Minot State went on a 5-0 run, finished off by Gunville's three, to seize a 72-68 lead with 5:57 to go in the contest. The Beavers narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Beavers still held on for the 81-79 win. Minot State capitalized on 8 Bemidji State turnovers in the frame, collecting 11 points off those turnovers.
Game Notes
» The Beavers shot well from three-point range, knocking down 8 of 18 long range attempts.
» The Minot State defense forced 17 turnovers.
» Minot State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Caleb Van De Griend led the Beavers with a game-high 21 points.
» Minot State got a game-high nine rebounds from Caleb Van De Griend.
This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
