BISMARCK, N.D. – Seventh-ranked MSU Moorhead men's basketball pushed past a tough first half on Saturday evening for another NSIC victory. The Dragons defeated the Mary Marauders, 74-58. 
 
Jacob Beeninga would kickstart the Dragons to begin the game, finishing on an and-one, followed by a three-pointer. Jacob Jennissen would knock in a pair from the charity stripe to confirm an 8-0 MSUM run to start the game. Levi Birkholz would keep the Dragon offense humming with a three of his own, keeping MSUM in front, 11-7. 
 
The three parade was not over for the Dragons as Beeninga and Logan Kinsey would cash home a pair on consecutive possessions. Midway through the first half, MSUM led 21-15. From there, MSUM would slow the game down, working the ball inside to Jennissen, who drew consistent fouls. With the Dragons in the bonus, Jennissen converted on four straight to keep MSUM in front. Birkholz would strike again with another three-pointer with just over two minutes to play. Mary would keep pace with the Dragons, however, as MSUM led 33-32 at the break. 
 
MSUM struggled from the floor overall in the half, shooting just 30.7 percent to Mary's 38.2 percent mark. However, MSUM would make 12 of 13 free throw attempts in the first half (and five three-pointers) to maintain the lead. 
 
To open the second half, Mary would gather its first and only lead of the game, 34-33. A Jennissen dunk came as part of a 5-0 Dragon burst to regain the advantage on the scoreboard. With just over 15 minutes to play, the Beeninga brothers would take over to put the Dragons back up by 11 points. Eddie Beeninga would start the stretch with a triple as older brother Jacob scored the next seven points for MSUM. 
 
A score from Sam Hastreiter would keep the Dragon lead in double digits (55-42) near the midway point. MSUM would control the game from there, keeping a lead between 11 and 13 points throughout the rest of the contest. The Dragons would gain their biggest advantage late in the contest following a three from freshman Shaun Wysocki. 
 
MSUM shot an improved 56.6 percent from the field in the second half to come away with a 74-58 victory. Four Dragons finished in double figures, led by Beeninga and Jennissen, who each netted 18 points. Beeninga had an all-around showing, turning in six assists and five rebounds for the Dragons. 

The Dragons have now won six straight games over the Marauders.
 
Top Dragons

• Jacob Beeninga: 18 points, six assists, five rebounds, one steal
• Jacob Jennissen: 18 points, six rebounds, two blocks
• Shaun Wysocki: 11 points, five rebounds, one block, one steal
• Logan Kinsey: 10 points, three rebounds
• Eddie Beeninga: Six points, five rebounds, four assists

 
Up Next
 
MSUM (7-1, 2-0 NSIC) returns to the road next weekend for games against St. Cloud State and Bemidji State. The Dragons take on the Huskies on Friday beginning at 7:30 p.m.