Box Score BISMARCK, N.D. – It was a combination of solid University of Mary defense and cold shooting by Minot State University in the second half that spelled disaster for the Beavers.

The Marauders outscored MISU 49-37 in the second half as the Beavers shot just 38.7 percent from the field.

The half spoiled the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference opener for Minot State and first-year head coach Matt Murken as U-Mary won 77-65 Saturday at the Bismarck Civic Center.

But it was the Beavers (1-3 overall, 0-1 NSIC) overall defensive effort that frustrated Murken.

“The biggest thing is we didn't defend the way we needed to defend,” he said. “The way they are built, it is hard to come back from a deficit with them. They got out to a eight to 10 point lead and stretched it from there.”

The Marauders (1-0, 2-3) shot 52 percent from the floor in the second half, 6 for 10 on 3-pointers, and knocked down 17 of 19 free throws in the second half. In the game, U-Mary was 25 for 31 from the line.

“We only forced 10 turnovers and that wasn't enough. That's about half of what they usually do,” Murken said. “Turnovers lead to easy points and we didn't get those. We didn't guard enough to win a road game in this league

“But, with that said, in this league, the biggest game is your next game. This is just one loss and it's tough to win on the road in the NSIC. We have to get ready for next week.”

Minot State trailed early in the game, but rallied to tie it at 28-all at halftime. But Minot State couldn't make enough plays early on in the second and U-Mary started to build a lead.

“We didn't play well at all in the first 10 minutes, so we felt fortunate to be tied at half,” Murken said. “Unfortunately, there was another stretch in there. There were some times where we battled, guarded them and gave up late shot clock shots or fouled. Those are back breakers.”

Alex Dorr led all scorers with 23 points and added nine rebounds for the Marauders. Josh Turner added 17 points in the win.

Minot State got 15 points and eight rebounds from Chris East (Jr., G, Toronto, Ontario). Thomas Korf (So., F, St. Cloud, Minn.) hit four 3-pointers to net 12, while Kelvin Fraser (Sr., F, Brooklyn, N.Y.) finished with 10.

Minot State next plays host to Minnesota State-Moorhead (Friday, 8 p.m.) and Northern State (Saturday, 6 p.m.) in the first NSIC home series in school history.