Minot State men’s basketball team secured a 63-56 road victory against South Dakota Mines Hardrockers, improving their record to 8-0. Caleb Van De Griend led the Beavers with a double-double performance, tallying 28 points and 11 rebounds. Jalen Cook added 16 points and Sam West contributed 6 points to the team’s success.
The Beavers dominated the offensive glass, pulling down 10 boards that led to 23 second chance points. The defense also shined, forcing 14 turnovers which resulted in 20 points on the offensive end. Daryl Rice Jr stood out with 4 steals, impressing head coach Matt Murken with his defensive performance.
The game was a tough battle as Minot State had to overcome a 14-6 deficit early on. However, they managed to tie the game at 14 and eventually took the lead in the second half with an 8-0 run. The Beavers maintained their advantage and secured the win, capitalizing on South Dakota Mines’ turnovers.
Key players for Minot State included Van De Griend, Cook, and West, who combined for 79% of the team’s points. The defense was active throughout the game, forcing turnovers and tallying 5 blocks as a team. Van De Griend also led the team with a game-high 28 points and 11 rebounds.
Head coach Murken praised the team’s resilience in securing their first true road victory of the season. With strong Senior leadership and solid defensive play, the Beavers demonstrated their ability to grind out tough wins. The team looks ahead to their next game against Black Hills State University on November 30th.
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Photo credit msubeavers.com
