Box Score MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University's effort was better, but it was not enough to overcome a solid Northern State University team.

The Wolves used a steady dose of Collin Pryor and Dustin Tetzlaff to fend off any runs by the Beavers in a 77-58 win over Minot State in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference men's basketball Saturday at the MSU Dome.

“Our overall effort was better and our defensive effort was probably the best its been so far, but they are a good team,” said MISU head coach Matt Murken. “The physicality of the players is so much higher in this league than in the NAIA – I don't think people realize that yet. We are getting closer that.”

The Wolves (5-0 overall, 3-0 NSIC) built an early nine points lead and grew that to as much as 15 in the first half and Minot State (1-5, 0-3) couldn't cut it below double digits the remainder of the contest.

While Minot State throughout the contest, the Beavers didn't exactly go away either. After the lead grew to as many as 24 points in the second half, Minot chipped away to get it to 17 twice in the second half, once on a jumper by Anthony Enriquez (Sr., G, Tacoma, Wash.) and once on a layup by Dominique McDonald (Fr., G, Raleigh, N.C.).

The McDonald hoop came with 3:04 to play, but Tetzlaff scored on the next possession in typical fashion for Saturday night – on an offensive rebound – and halted any chance for a late comeback.

“We are learning on the fly sometimes, but we are getting better,” Murken said. “Anthony had a good game. He was a little behind on what we wanted to do defensively, but has made some big strides lately.”

Pryor finished with a game-high 22 points and added five rebounds, while Tetzlaff scored 11 points and had 10 rebounds – eight on the offensive end – for Northern State. Michael Emge added 12 points in the win.

Enriquez scored a season-high 19 points for Minot State, adding five rebounds and two steals. E.J. Williams (Jr., G, Raleigh, N.C.) scored seven points and dished out three assists in the loss.

Minot State will look to rebound in short fashion as they play host to Jamestown College in the team's final nonconference game Tuesday. MISU is on the road for a pair of NSIC games Friday (Minnesota Crookston) and Saturday (Bemidji State).