MINOT -- Fresh off making history earlier this week by earning a first-ever NCAA Top 25 ranking, the Minot State University Beavers added to that history with their first win over a No. 1 nationally ranked foe.
And, Minot State added in career win No. 200 for head coach Matt Murken in the process.
Connor Hollenbeck registered a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the 21st-ranked Minot State men's basketball team over the No. 1 Minnesota State, Mankato Mavericks 81-71 at the MSU Beaver Lodge on Friday in front of more than 2,000 boisterous Beaver fans in NSIC action.
The Beavers (14-3 overall, 9-2 NSIC) had four players score in double figures, led by Hollenbeck, who notched a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Khari Broadway tacked on 12 points and six assists and Jaxon Gunville chipped in as well with 11 points and two blocks.
The Minot State offense was very productive from three-point land, making 10 threes on 22 attempts. Gunville was the most prolific shooter for the Beavers, draining three treys in the contest.
Minot State did a great job disrupting Minnesota State shots in the contest, coming away with five blocks. Gunville led the way individually for the Beavers with two rejections.
Coach's Comments
"We came out really good," Minot State head coach Matt Murken said. "We talked the last couple days at practice and our players just kept saying, 'Coach, we're ready. we're ready, we're ready.' And our guys played like they were ready."
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 15-6 advantage, Minot State went on an 8-0 run with 12:32 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Gunville, to increase its lead to 23-6. The Beavers entered halftime with a 42-29 advantage as non-starters accounted for 11 of its 42 total points.
Minot State kept its lead intact before going on a 9-0 run, finished off by Gunville's three, to grow the lead to 62-45 with 9:36 to go in the contest. The Mavericks narrowed the margin to five late in the game but the Beavers responded to post the 81-71 win.
Game Notes
» Connor Hollenbeck notched a double-double for the Beavers with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
» The Beavers shot well from three-point range, knocking down 10 of 22 long-range attempts.
» The Beavers held the Mavericks to only 38.9 percent shooting from the field.
» Minot State never trailed on the way to an 81-71 victory.
» Minot State tallied 16 total assists in the game.
» The Beavers were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording five blocks as a team.
» Connor Hollenbeck led the Beavers with 19 points.
» Minot State got a game-high 10 rebounds from Connor Hollenbeck.
