MINOT, N.D. — The Minot State men's basketball team returns to the Minot State University Dome this week as Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play continues following a pair of road contests last weekend.
The Beavers enter the week with an 8-10 overall record and a 5-7 mark in NSIC action after falling to Southwest Minnesota State on Friday and Sioux Falls on Saturday.
Minot State opened the weekend with a 72-60 loss to Southwest Minnesota State in Marshall, Minnesota. Darik Dissette led the Beavers with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Deuce Benjamin added 17 points and two steals. Isaiah Alexander chipped in 10 points as the trio combined to score 45 of Minot State's 60 points.
Despite the loss, the Beavers controlled the glass, finishing with a 37-29 rebounding advantage and collecting 12 offensive rebounds that resulted in nine second-chance points. After trailing at halftime, Minot State showed signs of momentum in the second half with an 8-0 run to cut into the deficit before the Mustangs pulled away late.
Saturday's contest saw Minot State fall 95-73 to Sioux Falls. Isaiah Alexander paced the Beavers with 16 points, while Dissette added 14 points and two blocks and Trey Brandt finished with 13 points. Minot State shot efficiently from beyond the arc, knocking down five of its 11 three-point attempts.
The Beavers continued to find success on the offensive glass, pulling down 12 offensive rebounds that turned into 14 second-chance points. Minot State also found scoring opportunities inside, recording 20 points in the paint, but Sioux Falls built an early lead that carried through the second half.
This week, Minot State returns home for two important conference matchups inside the Minot State University Dome. The Beavers will host Augustana University on Friday, January 23, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m., before welcoming Wayne State College on Saturday, January 24, at 5:30 p.m. Minot State will look to turn its rebounding strength and interior scoring into positive results as NSIC play continues.
