Box Score BISMARCK, N.D. – Minot State University opened a 39-22 first-half lead and cruised to a 71-49 win over the University of Mary in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference men's basketball Friday at the McDowell Activity Center.

The Beavers (6-4 overall, 2-4 NSIC) never trailed in the game and held the Marauders (2-9, 0-6) to just 37.5 percent shooting from the floor in the first half. Minot State snapped a four-game losing streak and sent U-Mary to its ninth straight defeat overall.

"Our effort and enthusiasm was as good as it has been for the last couple of weeks in practice," said MISU head coach Matt Murken. "It showed tonight. I thought for almost 40 minutes we got after them, we were the aggressor almost all the way."

Minot State's defensive effort continued throughout the game as they outscored the Marauders 32-27 in the second half. The Beavers forced 17 U-Mary turnovers as well and coughed up the ball just nine times total.

The Beavers swept the season series from the Marauders, have a three-game winning streak against their in-state rival and have won four of the last five meetings since joining NCAA Division II. 

While the defense was the key early on, the Beavers also got great offensive balance, with five players netting at least nine points. Chris East (Sr., F, Toronto, Ontario) led the way with 14 points and six rebounds, hitting 7 of 10 shots from the floor. Thomas Korf (Jr., F, St. Cloud, Minn.) came off the bench for the first time and hit for 12 points. E.J. Williams (Sr., G, Raleigh, N.C.) finished with 11 and Lazar Boskovic (Jr., F, Belgrade, Serbia) scored 10 on 5 of 5 shooting.

"I really thought our bench was tremendous," Murken said. "Nate Mertens (Fr. G, Devils Lake, N.D.) works his tail off, Thomas did a good job off the bench. Dan (Dan Yale, So., Berthold, N.D.) and Lazar both had great efforts. It was nice to have Lazar come back from his injury. He is really learning and coming along and just getting better for us."

The Marauders only had one player in double figures as Devan Douglas paced U-Mary with 11 points.

Balance was also a key for the Beavers shooting as they started with a 50 percent clip in the first half and followed that up with a 55 percent shooting night in the second, making 28 of 54 on the night. MISU also won the rebounding battle 33-30.

Along with his 11 points, Williams finished with a team-high eight rebounds, dished out five assists and swiped five steals.

"He didn't have the best shooting night, but E.J. did just about everything else for us," Murken said. "It was a great all-around effort for him. Road wins are hard to get and it was good to come here and get one."