Nathan Beitler/MDN Beavers’ redshirt sophomore guard Kiku Parker Jr. drives the ball to the hoop in their home game against the Bismarck State College Mystics on Wednesday night, Nov. 19.

The Minot State men’s basketball team is looking for redemption this week as they prepare to take on the University of Jamestown at home this Thursday, Dec. 4, before heading back on the road to face Northern State University on Saturday, Dec. 6.

The Beavers are heading into this week’s games after facing two close losses on the road. Last week, Minot State dropped their game 65-72 against Black Hills State University and 79-84 against South Dakota Mines. Minot State junior guard Deuce Benjamin was the lead scorer for the Beavers, earning the team 20 points against Black Hills State and 30 against South Dakota Mines.

The Beavers have a record of 3-4 on the season and 0-1 in conference play heading into this weeks’ contests. Minot State has played just one game at home under their belt this season, ending with a win against Bismarck State College. Their game against the University of Jamestown will be their second home game of the season, and their 19th franchise game against the Jimmies. The Beavers have a tied record historically against the University of Jamestown and have a current five game win streak, all at home, since 2015. The Beavers won last season 86-74 over the Jimmies with now junior Caleb Van De Griend earning a double-double with 23 scored points and 15 rebounds. The Jimmies are coming into this week’s game with a season record of 2-5.

After their Thursday night home game against the University of Jamestown, the Beavers will head back on the road to take on the Northern State University Wolves in conference play. The Beavers have a historically losing record against the Wolves, winning just 11 out of their 45 games since 1986. Despite their losing record, the Beavers have won the last three matchups against the Wolves, with two games at home. The Beavers’ match up against the Wolves will be their second conference bout this season and gives Minot State the chance to tie their conference record 1-1. The Northern State University Wolves are entering this Saturday’s game with a record of 1-5 on the season and a 1-0 record in conference play. The two teams will play in Aberdeen, SD beginning at 4 p.m.