MINOT, N.D. — Following a split on the road to close out the pre-break portion of the schedule, the Minot State men's basketball team returns home this week for one NSIC matchup at the Minot State University Dome. The Beavers will tip off Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. as they look to build momentum heading into the heart of conference play.

Minot State enters the week with a 7-6 overall record and sits 4-3 in NSIC action after picking up an 89-83 road victory over Bemidji State last Saturday. The Beavers shot an impressive 53.3 percent from three-point range in the win and placed five players in double figures. Deuce Benjamin led the way with 19 points and four assists, while Darik Dissette added 18 points, seven rebounds, and five steals. Parker Falcon provided a spark off the bench with 17 points as Minot State's reserves combined for 29 points.

Defensively, the Beavers were active throughout the contest, forcing 13 turnovers and converting those takeaways into 23 points. Minot State never trailed in the second half and maintained control down the stretch to secure the road win.

Earlier in the week, the Beavers battled Minnesota Duluth on Thursday night but came up short in a 67-58 loss despite a strong defensive effort. Minot State held the Bulldogs to just 36.4 percent shooting from the field and 28 percent from beyond the arc. Benjamin finished with a game-high 18 points, while Isaiah Alexander added 11. The Beavers also capitalized on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive rebounds and turning them into 16 second-chance points.

With one game on the slate this week, Minot State will look to carry its efficient shooting, defensive pressure, and balanced scoring into Saturday's home contest. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on January 3rd inside the Minot State University Dome.