SIOUX FALLS, SD --
Melvin Newbern secured a double-double with 23 points and 14 rebounds, but the Minot State men's basketball team fell in the NSIC Tournament Semifinals against Northern State Wolves 72-63 at Sanford Pentagon Saturday.
The Beavers (9-7) had two players score in double figures, led by Newbern, who had a double-double with 23 points and 14 rebounds.
Kody Dwyer added 13 points and Steven Ross Jr. added six points, eight rebounds, and two steals.
Minot State out-rebounded Northern State 41-38 in Saturday's game, led by Newbern's 14 boards. The Beavers also pulled down 15 offensive rebounds and scored 13-second chance points.
The Beaver defense caused its share of mistakes in Saturday's game, forcing 13 Northern State turnovers while committing 11. Those takeaways turned into 12 points on the other end of the floor. Ross Jr.'s two steals led the way individually for the Beavers.
How It Happened
After falling behind 23-16, Minot State went on a 6-0 run with 5:49 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Newbern, to narrow its deficit to 23-22. Northern State answered back and added to its lead, leaving the Beavers down 34-26 entering halftime.
Northern State kept widening its lead after intermission, constructing a 47-35 advantage before Minot State went on a 6-0 run to shrink the deficit to 47-41 with 10:06 to go in the contest. Northern State responded and outscored the Beavers the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 72-63. Minot State got a boost from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 11 of its 37 total points.
Game Notes
» Newbern notched an impressive double-double for the Beavers with 23 points and game-high 14 rebounds.
» Minot State lost despite a 41-38 rebounding advantage.
» The Beavers defense forced 13 turnovers.
» Minot State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 15 offensive boards in the game.
» Newbern led the Beavers with a game-high 23 points.
The Beavers finish an emotional roller-coaster ride of a season with a 9-7 overall record. MSU advanced to the semifinals and won at the Sanford Pentagon for the first time since joining the NSIC.
