MOORHEAD, Minn. -- Minnesota State Moorhead men's basketball is set to embark on the 2025-26 season this weekend as part of the Regional Challenge in Pittsburg, Kan. The Dragons take on second-ranked Washburn on Friday at 7 p.m. before battling host Pittsburg State on Saturday at 7 p.m. 

Live video and stats will be available at msumdragons.com. Please note that the MIAA Network is a pay-per-view service. 

Matchup History...Friday's meeting with Washburn will be the third all-time meeting between the two programs. The Ichabod ended MSUM's season at last year's NCAA Central Region Tournament, claiming a 93-65 win. The teams matched up at the Regional Challenge two seasons ago as Moorhead defeated Washburn, 79-77. The Dragons and Gorillas share a similar history as Saturday's game will be the third all-time meeting between them. Moorhead has won both contests, most recently in the NCAA Central Region quarterfinals in March 2024. The Dragons won that game 73-55. Prior to that, the teams had not met since March 14, 2015, another NCAA Central Region Tournament game. MSUM defeated Pitt State en route to an Elite Eight appearance, 80-68. 

The Dragons At The Regional Challenge...Moorhead has seen consistent success at the Regional Challenge. In last season's installment, MSUM defeated both Henderson State and Arkansas-Monticello. Heading into Friday's game against Washburn, Moorhead holds a four-game win streak at the Regional Challenge.

Preseason In The Air... Moorhead was selected to finish seventh overall in the NSIC preseason coaches' poll behind 138 points. In the NSIC North Division Poll, MSUM was selected to finish second after garnering 43 points and a pair of first-place votes. Senior forward Sam Hastreiter was named Moorhead's 'Player to Watch' for the upcoming season. The Lincoln, Neb., native averaged 7.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in 2024-25. Hastreiter started every game for the Dragons a season ago and buried 46 three-pointers at a 42.2 percent clip.

Ballin' Like An Isa...True freshman Isa El-Amin showcased his ability in his Dragon debut against North Dakota State on October 23. El-Amin tallied a team-best 15 points in just 22 minutes of action. The Minnetonka, Minn., native also dished out seven assists in the exhibition contest. 

New Faces Throughout...Head coach Jason Kemp was swift in his approach to roster building ahead of the 2025-26 season. The Dragons added two true freshmen as well as seven transfers in the offseason. True frosh Sam Hondl and El-Amin have already proven their terrific talent. Kemp and the Dragons also added pure scorers in Dominic Gooden (formerly of Northern Illinois) and Nic Smith (South Florida). The shooting category is sure to get a lift with the addition of Landin Hacker (Bellarmine), who has drained 72 career three-pointers. Kemp also bulked up the post play with forwards Timaris Brown (IU Indy), Rodrick Payne (Western Illinois) and Kabine Kaba (Wayland Baptist). All three are able to log a double-double on any given night. Brown had 10 points and seven rebounds against NDSU on October 23. Junior swingman Soren Anderson (U of Northwestern) will also provide length and athleticism on the wing and down low for the Dragons.

Fullcourt Circle...First-year head coach Jason Kemp will embark on his first season at the helm this weekend. Kemp began his coaching career at MSUM as an assistant coach during the 2004-05 season. 

Jason Kemp is in his first season as MSUM's head men's basketball coach. 

Scouting The Opposition

Washburn
2025 Record: 2-0 (0-0 MIAA)
2024 Record: 30-4 (17-2 MIAA)
Head Coach: Brett Ballard (9th Season)
Nickname: Ichabod
Top Ichabod: Dillon Claussen (22.5 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 76.2 FG)

Pittsburg State
2025 Record: 1-1 (0-0 MIAA)
2024 Record: 18-12 (13-6 MIAA)
Head Coach: Jeff Boschee (4th Season)
Nickname: Gorillas
Top Gorilla: Donald Coats (13 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 64.3 FG)