On Wednesday, October 23 North Dakota State men’s basketball welcoming the Minnesota State University Moorhead Dragons to the Sanford Health Athletic Complex.
The Dragons started off hot taking an 11-4 lead into the first media timeout after Jacob Beeninga hit a three-pointer off of a Bison turnover. 15:58 remaining in the first half.
The Bison began to battle back over the next six minutes, cutting the Dragon lead to 16-12 after a Masen Miller layup for The Herd. 9:55 remaining in the first half.
Heading into the four minute media timeout, MSUM extended the lead to double digits at 29-18. Logan Kinsey knocked down a three for the Dragons followed by a Tajavis Miller layup for the Bison. 3:37 remaining in the first half.
Going into the half, both teams stalemated The half was capped by a Jeremiah Burke dunk for NDSU. He cut the Dragon lead to nine at 34-25 at the intermission. MSUM shot 50 percent from the field (13-26) and 55.6 percent from three (5-9). NDSU ended up shooting 42.3 percent (11-26) from the field and 37.5 percent from three (3-8).
The first four minutes of the second half saw the Bison cut into the Dragon lead. MSUM still led 41-35 with 15:57 remaining in the second half.
Over the next handful of minutes MSUM and NDSU kept a competitive edge as the game began to get a bit more physical. Heading into the under 12 minute media timeout MSUM guard Levi Birkholz knocked down a jumper that was countered with a Jacksen Moni layup. Dragons still lead 49-45 with 11:43 remaining in the second half.
Heading into the under right minute media timeout, MSUM maintained a lead at 58-52. Sam Hastreiter made a layup to bring the Dragon advantage back to six points.
The final media timeout took place with four minutes remaining in the game after a pair of made free throws by Brennan Watkins. He cut the MSUM lead to 61-58.
NDSU ended the game on a 9-2 run, eventually defeating the Dragons 67-63.
NDSU leaders:
– Brennan Watkins 17 points, five rebounds, two assists
– Jacksen Moni 14 points, four rebounds, two steals
– Masen Miller 10 points, four rebounds
MSUM leaders:
– Jacob Beeninga 20 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals
– JaMir Price 16 points, three rebounds, two assists
– Logan Kinsey 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals
NDSU will open the season on Monday, November 4 vs Jamestown.
MSUM will open the season on Friday, November 8 against Henderson State in Kansas City.
