MOORHEAD, Minn. -- Four Dragons scored in double figures in an all-around balanced effort en route to a 84-63 win over Minot State. In the victory, MSUM picked up its first conference victory of the season. It was also Tim Bergstraser's first NSIC win as Dragon head coach.

The win continues a trend of home-opener success for the Dragons. Other than the 2020-21 season opening defeat to Augustana, the Dragons have not lost their home opener since falling 80-74 to St. Cloud St. on November 27, 2007.

MSUM was paced early thanks to the offensive efforts of Jaden Stanley-Williams. The senior caught fire from long range early, nailing three long range shots in the first half. Stanley-Williams would score 14 first-half points as MSUM built a lead as large as 25 in the first 20 minutes. While the Beavers shot a respectable 41.7 percent from the field in the first half, the Dragons scorched the net at a 59.4 percent mark in the frame. This included seven three-point field goals on 14 attempts. 

One cannot overlook the spirited defensive effort employed by MSUM early. The Dragons forced eight Minot State turnovers in the first half and outrebounded the Beavers 18-9. Jacob Beeninga chipped in nine points and six rebounds as MSUM took a 51-26 lead into halftime. 

Minot State would use a full-court press which helped bring them closer in the second half. However, MSUM was able to settle in and consistently break the press for easy baskets. Lorenzo McGhee scored 13 points in the second half, including a rim-rattling jam that brought Nemzek to its feet. Gabe Myren returned from injury to come off the bench and score 12 points for MSUM. 

Minot State would shoot an impressive 57.1 percent from the field in the final 20 minutes, but it just wasn't enough to pull them within single digits of the Dragons. For the game, MSUM shot 53.6 percent from the floor. The Dragons forced 19 turnovers in the game, scoring 26 points off those turnovers. MSUM also dominated the offensive glass, scoring 16 second chance points in the game.

Top Dragons

• Jaden Stanley-Williams: 18 points
• Lorenzo McGhee: 16 points
• Gabe Myren: 12 points
• Jacob Beeninga: 11 points, eight rebounds, two steals

Up Next

The Dragons (6-2) look for another NSIC win in Bismarck this Saturday. MSUM is scheduled to tip-off against the University of Mary at 4 p.m.