MINOT, N.D. – After a strong pair of home performances last week, the Minot State men's basketball team hits the road to open NSIC play and continue its early-season momentum. The Beavers travel to Bismarck for a Tuesday matchup against the University of Mary before remaining in town for the Mary Tournament, where they will face Black Hills State on Friday and South Dakota Mines on Saturday.

The Beavers (3-1) enter the week coming off two impressive wins at the Minot State Dome. In Wednesday's 105-72 victory over Bismarck State College, Minot State shot 52.4 percent from beyond the arc and had six players score in double figures. Deuce Benjamin led the way with 21 points, while Lovasoa Andriatsarafara added 12 points and seven rebounds off the bench. The Beavers also dominated the glass, earning a 42-27 rebounding advantage and collecting 14 offensive boards.

Minot State backed that performance up with a resilient 95-90 win over Montana State Billings on Friday. After trailing by eight at halftime, the Beavers stormed back behind a career night from Sean De Kovachich, who scored 33 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Darik Dissette added 14 points and seven rebounds, while Deuce Benjamin contributed 14 points and six assists. The Beavers cleaned up their transition defense in the second half and held MSU Billings to just four points off turnovers after allowing 18 before halftime.

This week's first opponent, the University of Mary, will mark the start of NSIC play for the Beavers. Minot State then shifts into tournament action, opening with Black Hills State on Nov. 28 before closing the week against South Dakota Mines on Nov. 29.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the University of Mary, followed by 2:00 p.m. games Friday and Saturday at the Mary Tournament in Bismarck.