MOORHEAD, Minn. -- MSU Moorhead men's basketball is scheduled to host a top 25 matchup with Minot State beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday before MSUM travels to Bismarck, N.D., to play Mary on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Live stats and video will be available at msumdragons.com.
Opening Tip
Quick Hits... MSUM took the first meeting against the Beavers in a 77-74 slobberknocker inside the MSU Dome on December 16. The Dragons have taken the last four matchups against the Beavers heading into Thursday. MSUM dismantled Mary 95-55 on December 2 and hold a four-game win streak over the Marauders ahead of Saturday's tilt in Bismarck.
Forgot About Ja...Junior guard Ja'Kair Sanchez helped lead MSUM past Bemidji State on Saturday after scoring 28 points. The 28 from Sanchez tied his Dragon career high which he set a week prior against Minnesota State. Sanchez made 10 of 11 free throw attempts in the game and has been surging for MSUM since joining the starting lineup. The Syracuse, N.Y., native has averaged16.6 points per game since entering the starting five on January 19 against Minnesota Duluth.
Life At The Charity Stripe...Although MSUM has been shaky at times from the free throw line this season (75.2 percent on the season) they clinched a win over Bemidji State thanks to made foul shots. In total, MSUM made 21 of 22 attempts in the game, which is the second-highest made free throw total of the season. The Dragons went a perfect 16 of 16 from the charity stripe in the second half against the Beavers.
Protecting The Rim...Sophomore big man Jacob Jennissen has showcased his ability to challenge shots. The 7-foot-1 Jenniseen racked up six blocked shots in the victory over Minnesota Crookson last Tuesday. It is the highest block total of Jennissen's career and is his sixth multi-block game of 2023-24. Jennissen leads the team with 23 blocked shots on the year.
Chronic Case of Ed...Since seeing expanded minutes, Eddie Beeninga has capitalized on his chances for MSUM. The younger Beeninga scored eight points on 42.8 percent shooting against Minnesota Crookston. This included two made three-pointers. Beeninga would score seven points against Bemidji State on Saturday with a pair of rebounds and assists.
Finding A Body...MSUM was absolutely lights out on the glass over two wins last week. The Dragons began the stretch with a plus-12 rebounding margin against the Golden Eagles on Tuesday. This was headlined by 20 combined rebounds from Jennissen and Dane Zimmer. On Saturday against Bemidji State, MSUM held a plus-11 rebound advantage on a Bemidji State team that is statistically one of the best in the NSIC. Jennissen and Zimmer had 10 rebounds each in that win as well. Zimmer enters the weekend 41 rebounds shy of 1,000 for his career.
What They Do Well....Minot State bolsters the toughest defense in the NSIC, allowing their opponents to score just 66.2 points per game this season. Guard Khari Broadway leads Minot State with 14.4 points per game while sitting 13 points away from 2,000 for his collegiate career (Minot State and NDSCS combined). The University of Mary is paced by Gerald Gittens, who averages just over 15 points per game for the Marauders followed by Brock Heffner, who averages just over 13 points a contest.
Tim Bergstraser is in his second season as MSUM's head coach.
About Minot State (18-4, 13-3 NSIC)
Statistical Leaders
Points: Khair Broadway (14.4)
Rebounds: Connor Hollenbeck (7.1)
Assists: Khari Broadway (67)
FG Percentage: Ben Bohl (50 percent)
Matt Murken is in his 11th season as head coach of Minot State.
About Mary (6-16, 1-15 NSIC)
Statistical Leaders
Points: Gerald Gittens (15.3)
Rebounds: Xavier Lewis (5.9)
Assists: Gerald Gittens (69)
FG Percentage: Brock Heffner (48.2 percent)
Jack Nelson is in his third season as head coach of the Marauders.
