SIOUX FALLS, SD – A remarkable 17-game win streak to begin the season comes to an end. The Minot State men's basketball team suffered their first loss to the hands of the Sioux Falls Cougars by a final score of 85-61 on the road Friday.

Caleb Van De Griend registered a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.

In addition to Van De Griend's double-double, the Beavers (17-1, 8-1 NSIC) were led by Ayouba Berthe, who recorded 18 points, and by Sam West, who chipped in with 6 points.

It was a rare defensive struggle tonight by the Beavers, as head coach Matt Murken made note of right from the start at tip-off.

"I need to put our guys in better situations to be successful. We have to come out ready to defend from the opening tip and I didn't have us ready to do that tonight. USF played a great game and defended their home court with passion," Murken stated.

The loss ended the Beavers 17-game winning streak, which ties the most consecutive games won in team history (1971-72 season).
 
How It Happened
After falling behind 29-17, Minot State went on a 7-0 run with 7:00 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Van De Griend, to narrow its deficit to 29-24. The Beavers deficit remained the same as they entered halftime trailing 36-31.

Sioux Falls kept widening its lead after intermission, constructing a 40-33 advantage before Minot State went on a 5-0 run, finished off by Jalen Cook's layup, to shrink the deficit to 40-38 with 16:02 to go in the contest. Sioux Falls responded and outscored the Beavers the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 85-61. Minot State made the most of 4 offensive rebounds to tack on 8 second chance points out of 30 total in the period.
 
Game Notes
» Caleb Van De Griend notched a double-double for the Beavers with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
» Ayouba Berthe led the Beavers with 18 points.
» Minot State got a game-high 12 rebounds from Caleb Van De Griend.
 
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