RAPID CITY, S.D. – Minot State University had five players in double figures and shot a blistering 64 percent from the field to knock off South Dakota Mines & Technology 82-76 in nonconference NCAA Division II men's basketball Saturday.

The Beavers (1-0 overall) missed just 15 shots in the game including a near perfect 7-for-8 performance on 3-pointers to earn a win on the road to start a three-game road swing.

"Outside of the start of each half, I thought we did a great job of executing on offense, working the ball, making the extra pass and staying patient," said MSU head coach Matt Murken. "And, when we did that, we usually made the basket. It was a good recipe for success."

Minot State led 36-28 at halftime after missing just six shots. It remained close, however, as the Beavers took just 20 and were hampered by turnovers. That continued some in the second, but the Beavers began to pull away late.

MSU's Winston Williams (Jr., F, Plainfield, Ill.) tied the game at 59 on a bucket off a feed from Nathan Mertens (So., G, Devils Lake, N.D.) and the Beavers took the lead for good on a Thomas Korf (Sr., F, St. Cloud, Minn.) 3-pointer on the next possession.

The teams traded baskets from there until a huge three-point play by Everett Robinson (Sr., G, Grand Junction, Colo.) made it 77-70 with just 1:30 remaining to give the Beavers a cushion.

"We played a lot of guys who haven't played a minute for us before tonight and that's tough on the road," Murken said. "We finished the first half real well, relinquished the lead a little there in the second half, but responded late. Thomas, Nate and Dom (Dominique McDonald, Jr., G, Raleigh, N.C.), guys who have been around for us, really responded and played well."

Robinson scored a career high with 15 points as a part of the five Beavers in double figures. He was 6 for 7 from the floor and added two rebounds in the win.

Konor Kulas led all scorers with 25 points to pace the Hardrockers. Andrew Rebol added 16 points in the loss.

Along with Robinson, MSU was paced by McDonald's 16 points and seven assists. He was 7 for 9 from the free-throw line. Korf and Williams chipped in with 12 points apiece and Williams led the Beavers with six rebounds. Lamont Prosser (Sr., F, Fort Wayne, Ind.) added 10 points and four rebounds for MSU. Minot State controlled the board even though the Beavers finished with just 30 in the game as they held a 30-20 edge.

"We've got a lot of guys who can put the ball in the basket and can do it at a high percentage," Murken said. "We hurt ourselves at times with turnovers and didn't guard the way we need to – we will have to get better at that – but were pretty good on offense and got the win."
 
Minot State continues on the road with two more games as they play three away from the MSU Dome to start. The Beavers won't mind a bit as they escape the cold weather with a pair of nonconference NCAA DII games in Puerto Rico, taking on University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon Sunday and University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Tuesday.