MINOT, N.D. – The Minnesota State University Moorhead men's basketball team fell to Minot State University on Saturday, 78-65. The Dragons cut a 23-point deficit to eight in the second half but came up short.

MSUM fell to 3-5 overall and 1-1 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play, while Minot State improved to 8-1, 2-1 NSIC.

Three players scored in double figures led by sophomore guard Johnny Beeninga with 16 points and two assists, while senior guard Tanner Kretchman had 15 points, two assists and one steal. Junior Addison Park totaled 10 points and added five rebounds and two blocks.

MSUM shot 40.7 percent (22-of-54) compared to the Beavers at 47.8 percent (32-of-67). Minot State outrebounded the Dragons 37-32.

MSUM trialed just 39-33 going into halftime. Beeninga had 12 points in the first half alone, while Kretchman and Travaun Coad had six points each.

The Beavers pulled away to a 23 point lead midway through the second half. MSUM was able shorten the lead to just eight points with less than three minutes to play thanks to a three-point play from Kretchman, however a jumper by Russ Davis and a three pointer from Tyler Rudolph sealed the deal for the Beavers.

The Dragons return home to host Minnesota Crookston, Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. and Bemidji State, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.

Steve d'Eustachio Stat of the Game: Tonight loss ended the Dragons' 11 game winning streak over the Beavers and it was Minot State's first victory over the Dragons since they posted an 81-77 decision in Minot on Dec. 13, 1994.