Game Notes
MOORHEAD, Minn. – The Minnesota State University Moorhead men's basketball team (13-5, 7-3 NSIC) remains home this week to host Wayne State College (Neb.) and Augustana University (S.D.) in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference action.
 
HOW TO FOLLOW…
Stats (Wayne State): http://web.mnstate.edu/livestats/basketball/xlive.htm
Stats (Augustana): http://web.mnstate.edu/livestats/basketball/xlive.htm
Video/Audio: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/msum/index.htm
Both games will be televised live on WDAY'Z Xtra
 
THIS WEEK…
MSUM remains in Nemzek Fieldhouse to face Wayne State on Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Augustana on Jan. 19 at 5:30 p.m.
 
LOOKING BACK…
The Dragons brought their winning streak to six games after defeating Bemidji State and Minnesota Crookston last week at home.
 
In the 80-78 win over Bemidji State the Dragons shot 51.7 percent (31-of-60) from the field compared to 50.0 percent (30-of-60) from BSU. Each team recorded 32 rebounds. Senior forward Addison Park led the team with 23 points and chipped in three rebounds. Freshman guard Gavin Baumgartner and junior guard Johnny Beeninga each recorded double-digit points with 13 and 12, respectively.
 
MSUM followed up the close victory over BSU with an offensive explosion against Minnesota Crookston. The Dragons defeated UMC by a score of 101-88 and had five players score in double-digits. Freshman guard Bryce Irsfeld tied a career-high with 23 points while Beeninga followed with 19 points and three assists. Park recorded 16 points and three rebounds and fellow senior Travaun Coad recorded 14 points and a team-best seven rebounds.

MSUM shot 57.8 percent (37-of-64) from the field compared to 54.5 percent (37-of-68) from UMC. The Dragons shot 69.0 percent (20-of-29) in the second half. MSUM outrebounded UMC 38-22.
 
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION…
Wayne State College (Neb.)
The Wildcats are 13-3 overall and 8-2 in the NSIC. Last week WSC defeated Winona State 92-79 and Upper Iowa 85-81. Wayne State averages 80.0 points per game and holds the opposition to 66.7 points per game. The Wildcats outrebound their opponents 36.6-33.5. Trevin Joseph averages 17.1 points per game and 27 total steals to lead the team. Kendall Jacks averages 15.6 points per game and 4.8 rebounds per game—both ranks second on the team. Jordan Janssen averages 10.3 points per game and a team-high 6.9 rebounds per game. Wayne State has amassed an 80.9 free throw percentage in NSIC play to lead the conference.
 
Augustana University (S.D.)
The Vikings are 11-5 overall and 7-3 in the NSIC. Last week Augustana defeated Upper Iowa 94-85 and fell to Winona State by a score of 87-67. The Vikings average 78.1 points per game compared to 73.1 from the opposition. The Vikings outrebound their opponents 38.8-31.9. The Vikings have been playing without Tyler Riemersma who averaged 17.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game but has not seen action since 12/16. Matt Cartwright has led the team with 16.0 points per game and 3.8 assists per game through 16 games. A.J. Plitzuweit has averaged 13.8 points per game through 12 games. Dylan LeBrun leads the team with 6.3 rebounds per game and contributes 9.8 points per game.
 
MORE ABOUT MSUM…
Consistency from Seniors
This year's senior class has been a steady presence on the court throughout the season. With seven freshmen on the roster, the seniors are relied on for their leadership and experience. Addison Park is enjoying his most productive season, scoring in double-digits in 15 games and averages 15.3 points per game. Travaun Coad has scored in double-figures in 13 games and averages 13.2 points per game and 5.2 rebounds per game. Jake Johnson and Briton Bussman average 4.6 and 3.5 points per game, respectively.
 
Freshmen Shine
Freshman guard Gavin Baumgartner has been a scoring threat this season and leads the team with 15.7 points per game. Baumgartner has been a clutch performer with a career-high 28 points in wins over Bemidji State and Minot State. Baumgartner was recently listed as one of seven NCAA Division II Freshmen to watch as March approaches (link below). Freshman guard Bryce Irsfeld averages 10.3 points per game, 3.2 assists per game, and matched a career-high with 23 points against Minnesota Crookston. Siman Sem has contributed 6.5 points per game. Jesse Bergh averages 5.1 points per game, 1.2 blocks per game, and 4.6 rebounds per game. Freshmen have contributed 43.5 percent of the team's total points this season.
https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2019-01-14/dii-mens-basketball-keep-eye-these-7-impact-freshmen-march
 
Offensive Distribution
There has been no shortage of offense this season, and the points are coming from a variety of players on the court. The Dragons have five players who average 10.3 points per game or more: Gavin Baumgartner (15.7), Addison Park (15.3), Travaun Coad (13.2), Johnny Beeninga (12.1), Bryce Irsfeld (10.3). MSUM is averaging 87.8 points per game to lead the conference.
 
 
Dragons in the NSIC Team Rankings
MSUM ranks in the top three in the NSIC in several team categories.
1^st: Assists Per Game (14.9)                  2^nd: Personal Fouls Per Game (14.9)
Scoring Offense (87.8 ppg)                             3-Point Field-Goal Percentage (.421)                            
Field-Goal Percentage (.515)                         Total Steals (113)                               
Total Assists (269)                                    3^rd:  Total 3-Point FGM (160)
                                                                         Total Rebounds (635)                                                    
                                                                                
 
 Walthall Reaches Milestone
Head coach Chad Walthall is in his ninth season at the helm for MSUM. Walthall has amassed an impressive 172-79 record in his first eight season as head coach for the Dragons. Walthall earned his 300^th and 301^st career wins last week to bring his career record to 301-152. Walthall is joined on the coaching staff by Tim Bergstraser (first season) and Spenser Bland (first season).
 
All-Time vs. Opponents
MSUM will face Wayne State for the 32^nd time with an 11-20 all-time record against the Wildcats. MSUM and Augustana will meet for the 24^th time and the Dragons have a 3-20 all-time record against the Vikings.
 
Up Next
The Dragons are back on the road as they travel to face Minnesota Duluth on Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m. and St. Cloud State on Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m.