BISMARCK, N.D. – A new week of opportunity presents itself as the Minot State men's basketball team, newly-ranked as the No. 13 team in the country for their highest ranking ever in program history, sees a mid-week clash with an old rival and one more non-conference duel before moving to conference play full time.

On the road, the Beavers clash with fellow North Dakota rival University of Mary. And then after the quick road trip back up to the Magic City, Minot State awaits Montana State Billings for another contest at the MSU Dome.

Minot State (11-0, 3-0 NSIC) squares off with the Marauders (3-8, 1-1 NSIC) at the McDowell Activity Center in Bismarck. Tip-off is Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Then back to Minot on Saturday on a date with the Yellowjackets (9-2, 1-0 GNAC) for a 5:00 p.m. tip-off.

The Beavers have had recent success against Mary to the tune of a 34-point win when Minot State took down the Marauders 87-53 back on February 3. The result got Minot State their 15^th win in 25 games against the Marauders since November 2011 when they first joined the NSIC. All-time, it has been an intense back-and-forth series with Minot State gathering a 38-30 record against Mary up to this point.

MSU-Billings is a different story, as they have given the Beavers struggles. In a short 11-game sample size since 2000, the Yellowjackets outdueled the Beavers in 9 of those contests, with the latest one an 82-64 win back on November 18, 2023.

The player to watch for Mary this season is Jeremiah Jones. The redshirt Sophomore from Illinois has been a bright spot for the Marauders despite the slow start. Not only does his 13.3 PPG average lead the team, but he can also haul in boards at a rate of 6.0 RPG.

Arguably the toughest test of the season so far for Minot State will be Billings, as they will bring some firepower to the Dome. The leading scorer for the Jackets is Jalen Tot, who in 11 games played is scoring an astounding 17.2 PPG. Kael Robinson and Brendon Johnson make a nice supporting cast around Tot, with Robinson at 13.5 PPG and the team leader in boards at 6.2 RPG. Johnson is not far behind with 12.1 PPG and 5.2 RPG.

As we get a quarter of the way through the season, Caleb Van De Griend continues to maintain an impressive double-double average as he leads a potent starting five of Minot State. Not only a double-double, but one where he is scoring a lot by averaging 18.0 PPG. On the boards, he is good for 10.7 RPG. Jalen Cook, who jumped into the starting lineup beginning this season, has been a great piece in his new role with 15.5 PPG. Jaxon Gunville (12.8 PPG) and Ayouba Berthe (11.9 PPG) also hold double figures in scoring. Not to mention, Sam West is right there at 9.5 PPG who brings another toughness factor in the paint, also hauling in 6.3 RPG.
 
Recent Games
Minot State completed a weekend sweep of conference foes St. Cloud State and Bemidji State at home last weekend. Against the Huskies, Minot State dominated and cruised to a 91-58 win. And in the 'Battle of the Beavers,' it was not an easy one. Yet, the good Beavers found a way late from a game-winning block by Berthe. The starters were excellent again, led by Van De Griend's 21 points and 9 rebounds. Jaxon Gunville and his three-point shooting prowess struck again with 14 points, while West and Cook added 10 points each in the 81-79 victory over Bemidji State.