Photo Minot State’s Dylan Gichaba (12) drives to the basket against the University of Jamestown’s Brooks Carroll (11) during the first half of the Beavers’ 99-58 win over the Jimmies on Saturday afternoon.

Ben Bohl made the most of the Beavers’ home opener with a career-high 26 points, as Minot State’s men’s basketball team defeated the University of Jamestown, 99-58.

In addition to Bohl’s effort, Khari Broadway, Conner Hollenbeck, Dylan Gichaba and Caleb Van De Griend all scored in double figures. Bohl, a Bishop Ryan alum, also added four rebounds and one assist on the afternoon.

“We came out in the second half, and we really shared the ball,” said Bohl. “We also knocked down a lot of shots.”

Minot State caught fire in the second half, shooting 65.71 percent from the field and making 57 percent of their three-point field goals. Overall, they shot better than 50 percent in the game.

Bohl credited his big game with the unselfish play of the team.

“I wouldn’t have been able to have a career high without my teammates. It was just my turn today. Next night, it’s going to be someone else’s turn, and I’ll be happy to give them support,” said Bohl.

Following the game, Minot State University men’s basketball head coach Matt Burken spoke about the impact Bohl has made on the program.

“He’s played a lot of games, and he’s been rock solid for most of his career,” said Burken. “He’s pretty willing, on a lot of nights, to be the maybe the third or fourth option, but you know, if you don’t give him enough attention, he can really hurt you. He certainly did that today.”

The Beavers got off to a bit of a slow start, not jumping out to a double-digit lead until five minutes remained in the first half and only taking a 12-point lead into the break.

They wasted little time pouncing on the Jimmies after the intermission. Fueled by five straight three-pointers to open the half, the Beavers went on an 23-10 run to take command of the game. Minot State outscored Jamestown 57-28 in the second half and fell one point shy of the century mark.

“We were trying to move the ball a little quicker,” said Burken. “I thought we were taking one bounce too many on a lot of our possessions in the first half and the ball was sticking a little bit. I thought it really got zipped around better in the half court and in transition to start the second half, which led to some pretty wide-open looks.”

Broadway finished with 12 points and six rebounds and Hollenback scored 11 points, had seven rebounds and four assists to help lead the Beavers. Gichaba scored eleven with five rebounds and three assists and Van De Griend also had eleven points, to go along with his four rebounds. Michael Jok and Jaxon Gunville each scored eight for the Beavers.

“It was good to just get home after being gone for the last 13 days,” said Burken. “I think we’ve already played six road games out of our first seven, but we only have eight road games the rest of the year.”

It was the first time the two teams have played since November 2016, but with Jamestown being approved for membership in the NSIC beginning in 2025, the teams will re-develop their rivalry.

Minot State improves to 4-1 overall (1-0 NSIC). After the one game homestand, the Beavers hit the road again when they take on Bemidji State on Friday, Dec. 1. Tip-off is at 5:30 p.m.