MINOT, ND -- The Minot State men's basketball team shot lights out on the way to a 92-66 victory over the Montana State-Billings Yellowjackets at home Saturday. During the contest, Beavers' own Jaxon Gunville reached 1,000 points in his career on a long shot from his natural habitat, which is the three-point line.
Gunville has spent many years in a Beaver uniform, as all his commitment and efforts to the program has paid off with a milestone that only so many achieve at the college ranks.
"It feels pretty good…Its just a testament to the work that I have put in over the years, but also my teammates finding me on open screens, screening really good, giving me good passes, I could not have done any of that without all the teammates I have had throughout my career," Gunville said.
"Really thankful for them and my coaches for putting me in solid position to do what I do best. It is a combination of all those things, so when it can all come to fruition like that, it is a beautiful thing."
Including Gunville's efforts, Minot State went 50 percent from three-point range and 52 percent from the field.
The Beavers (13-0) had 4 players score in double figures, led by Caleb Van De Griend, who put together a double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds. Jalen Cook tacked on 20 points and Jaxon Gunville chipped in as well with 19 points.
Minot State out-rebounded Montana State-Billings 45-27 in Saturday's game, paced by Van De Griend's 15 boards. The Beavers also pulled down 13 offensive rebounds and scored 15 second chance points.
Minot State's defense held Montana State-Billings to only 39.7 percent shooting from the field.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 21-10 advantage, Minot State went on a 10-0 run with 11:25 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Van De Griend, to increase its lead to 31-10. The Beavers then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 55-38 advantage. Minot State relied on its three-point shooting in the frame, knocking down 9 shots to account for 27 of its 55 points.
Minot State kept its lead intact before going on an 11-0 run, finished off by Van De Griend's jumper, to grow the lead to 76-50 with 10:01 to go in the contest. The Beavers held onto that lead for the rest of the game for the 92-66 win. Minot State shot well from three-point range in the half, hitting 5 shots from deep to score 15 of its 37 points.
Game Notes
» Caleb Van De Griend notched an impressive double-double for the Beavers with 21 points and 15 rebounds.
» The Beavers made half of their attempts from three point range, knocking down 14 of 28 shots.
» The Beavers held the Yellowjackets to only 39.7 percent shooting from the field.
» Minot State never trailed on the way to a 92-66 victory.
» Minot State recorded 20 total assists in the game.
» Minot State had a 45-27 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Minot State defense forced 13 turnovers.
» Minot State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
» Caleb Van De Griend led the Beavers with 21 points and Jalen Cook added 20.
» Minot State got a game-high 15 rebounds from Caleb Van De Griend.
» Jaxon Gunville scored his 1,000th career point in the win.
This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
