ABERDEEN, SD -- The Minot State men's basketball team went into the halftime break tied with Northern State 33-33 but took control in the second half to defeat the Wolves 64-58 on the road Saturday.
The Beavers (15-0, 6-0) had two players score in double figures, led by Caleb Van De Griend, who notched a double-double with 24 points and 18 rebounds. Sam West tacked on 11 points, 5 assists and 2 steals while Ayouba Berthe added 8 points and 7 rebounds.
Minot State shared the ball well in Saturday's game, racking up 16 assists on 24 made field goals. Jaxon Gunville and Sam West led the way for the Beavers with 5 assists each.
The Minot State defense held Northern State shooters to just 38.7 percent from the field, including 21.1 percent from three-point range.
It was a fantastic weekend all around for Beaver basketball, one with some notable accomplishments that left head coach Matt Murken very pleased.
"Great weekend for the Beavers in completing a road sweep. Beating a top ten ranked Minnesota State – Moorhead team at their place and winning in Aberdeen the next night is a very tough task. Beaver basketball hasn't won in Wachs Arena since 1990," Murken reinforced.
"It's a credit to our team's toughness and resolve. I'm proud of them and they deserve these next few days at home with family."
How It Happened
After falling behind 33-28, Minot State went on a 5-0 run with 1:41 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Van De Griend, to tie the game at 33, a score that would hold until halftime. Minot State got the job done in the paint in the first half, scoring 28 of its 33 points close to the basket.
Northern State then snagged a 51-46 advantage before Minot State responded by going on a 7-0 run to seize a 53-51 lead with 7:34 to go in the contest. The Beavers kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 64-58 win. Minot State shot well from three-point range in the half, hitting 6 shots from deep to score 18 of its 31 points.
Game Notes
» Caleb Van De Griend notched an impressive double-double for the Beavers with 24 points and 18 rebounds.
» Minot State outscored Northern State 31-25 in the second half after a halftime tie to pick up the victory.
» The Beavers held the Wolves to only 38.7 percent shooting from the field.
» Minot State recorded 16 total assists in the game.
» Caleb Van De Griend led the Beavers with a game-high 24 points.
» Minot State got a game-high 18 rebounds from Caleb Van De Griend.
This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
