MANKATO, Minn. — After going winless in December, the ongoing woes for the Minot State men’s basketball team have crept into January.

Despite senior guard Kyle Beisch putting up a career-high 30 points, the Beavers (6-7, 0-7 NSIC) lost their seventh straight game Friday night on the road against Minnesota State Mankato, 87-79. Six of the seven losses have been decided by eight points or less.

Mankato (6-7, 4-3 NSIC) opened up a 12-point lead by halftime. The Mavericks’ largest lead was 16 points, and MSU never led in the contest.

MSUM shot 52.9% compared to MSU’s 44.8%, and yet Mankato only made one more field goal (27 to 26).

The Mavericks made three more 3-pointers and won the rebound battle (34 to 29).

Beisch was a volume shooter with an 8-for-23 showing from the floor. He made two 3-pointers and was perfect from the free-throw line (12-for-12).

Beisch’s previous career-high was 28 points, which he achieved twice earlier this season against Valley City State and St. Cloud State.

Max Cody (13 points) and Kody Dwyer (11 points) also reached double-digits for the Beavers.

The Mavericks had a pair of 23-point getters in Cameron Kirksey and Kevin Krieger. Ryland Holt also had a solid outing with 17 points.

The Beavers first road trip of 2020 continues with a stop in St. Paul, Minn., at 5:30 p.m. this evening to face the Golden Bears.

MSU WBB rattled by Minnesota State, 85-54

MANKATO, Minn. — The Minot State women’s basketball team is searching for its first conference win of the season after an 85-54 road loss to Minnesota State Mankato Friday evening.

The Beavers (3-8, 0-7 NSIC) found themselves down 16 points after the first quarter, 26-10, and only saw the deficit continue to grow throughout the contest.

Minnesota State Mankato (8-3, 5-2 NSIC) only shot 39.3% from the floor but sunk 10 3-pointers to compensate.

Mariah Payne made Minot’s only triple of the contest in the second quarter. The Beavers went 1-for-8 behind the arc and only attempted one 3-pointer in the second half.

Payne, MSU’s leading scorer, was held to only 9 points on 3-for-9 shooting. Forward Haley Hildenbrand led the Beavers with a double-double (12 points and a career-high 14 rebounds). Bethany Theodore chipped in with 10 points.

MSU shot 35% from the field. They had a turnover to assist ratio of 3.25 (12 assists to 39 turnovers).

Thirteen Minnesota State players scored with three of them reaching double figures: Taylor Drost (14), Kirstin Klitzke (11) and Tayla Stuttley (10).

Next up, MSU faces Concordia-St. Paul at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon in Minnesota.

Magi basketball races past Watford City, 93-40

WATFORD CITY — The Minot High School boys basketball team didn’t waste any time making its mark in Watford City.

After taking a 54-14 advantage at halftime, the Magicians (6-1, 5-1 WDA) kept the momentum alive in their 93-40 victory over the winless Wolves (0-8, 0-7 WDA).

“We defended very well, with great energy,” Minot head coach Dean Winczewski said. “We shared the ball very well.”

Minot tallied 24 assists, dwarfing Watford City’s total of nine. Junior guard Deonte Martinez scored a game-high 19 points for the Magicians, while senior guard Jaxon Gunville contributed 16 points.

The Magi shot 64% from the field and converted on 12-of-20 of their 3-point opportunities. Additionally, Minot earned a 36-13 advantage on the glass.

Both teams will play at 7:30 p.m. next Friday. Minot will welcome Bismarck High (4-2, 3-2 WDA), while Watford City will travel to Turtle Mountain Community (1-5, 1-4 WDA).

Majettes basketball earns 53-44 victory in Watford City

WATFORD CITY — Although the Minot High School girls basketball team faced some adversity in Friday night’s contest against Watford City, the Majettes prevailed.

The pesky Wolves (2-6, 1-6) never rolled over, but the Majettes (3-3, 3-3 WDA) surged ahead with key contributions from senior forwards Allie Nelson and Lauren McLean.

Nelson finished with a game-high 15 points, while McLean added 10.

“Another big win for us tonight,” Minot head coach Jason Schwarz said. “(Nelson) got some good looks at the basket, and (McLean) hit some big shots down the stretch when we really need it. Our defense was outstanding and was the deciding factor for us.”

Just four Wolves scratched in the scoring column. Minot finished the game shooting 14-of-30 (47%) on its two-point attempts.

“Offensively, we need to sharpen our game up,” Schwarz said. “We need to get scoring contributions from more of our players. We need to play much better Monday in Mandan.”

Minot will face off against the Braves (3-2, 2-2 WDA) at 7:30 p.m. The Wolves will travel to Turtle Mountain Community High School (2-4, 1-4 WDA) next Friday for a 5:45 p.m. contest.

Magic City Youth Baseball seeking summer coaches

The Magic City Youth Baseball program is looking for Babe Ruth and Legion summer coaches.

Coaching experience is required, while baseball experience is preferred. The positions will require some travel, and applicants must be able to pass a criminal background check.

For more information, log on to minotbaseball.com or contact executive director Andy Lach at lachmcyb@gmail.com.

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