The Minot State University men’s basketball team led by as many as 15 points in the fourth quarter only to see its sizable advantage dwindle down to a one-possession game in the closing seconds.

Andre Austin knocked down three free throws with seven seconds left to cut Minot State’s lead to three, but the Beavers were able to run out the clock and secure an 86-83 victory over U-Mary in an Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference clash at the Minot State University Dome on Saturday, Jan. 3.

The Beavers (8-6 overall, 5-3 NSIC) entered the second half with a slim 41-38 lead. U-Mary grabbed the lead briefly when Jackson Ware hit a 3-pointer with 15:49 left, but Minot State responded by outscoring the Marauders by 17 points over the next 10 minutes to grab a 75-60 lead.

U-Mary (5-9, 3-5) chipped away, cutting the deficit down to 75-71 after a 3-pointer by Cayden Redfield. Parker Falcon drained a 3-pointer and Darik Dissette knocked down the final field goal for the Beavers for an 80-73 advantage with 1:09 remaining. Minot State’s final six points came from the free-throw line.

Isaiah Alexander led the Beavers with 18 points and nine rebounds. Deuce Benjamin (15), Kiku Parker Jr. (14) and Carson Yale (12) all scored in double figures. Parker Jr. also chipped in seven rebounds and a team-high six assists.

The Beavers shot 48.5 percent from the field for the game and 53.3 percent in the second half.

Redfield led the Marauders with 16 points off the bench, Austin had 12 points and Kelton Coleman and Tamarrein Henderson both finished with 10.

The Beavers host St. Cloud State at the MSU Dome on Friday, Jan. 9, at 5:30 p.m.