MOORHEAD, Minn. -- MSU Moorhead men's basketball is set for another massive pair of NSIC clashes this week. The Dragons match up with Minot State on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. before hosting UMary on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

Live video and stats will be available at msumdragons.com. Steve d'Eustachio and Jared Bledsoe will have the call on the Dragon Digital Network. Fans can listen to the game against the Marauders on AM 1100/FM 92.3 with Jace Denman and 'Big Game' James McCarty on the call. 

Matchup History...Minot State snapped a five-game skid to the Dragons back on December 20. The nationally-ranked Beavers toppled the Dragons, 76-52. Prior to that, Minot State had not defeated the Dragons since December 4, 2021. Entering Saturday, MSUM holds a six-game win streak over the Marauders, most recently defeating Mary on December 7, 74-58. The Marauders last defeated the Dragons on December 2, 2021. 

Last Time Out...MSUM picked up two big wins in conference play last week. The Dragons defeated Northern State on the road on Thursday, 77-62. Logan Kinsey led MSUM with 23 points with Carson Johnson, Sam Hastreiter and Shaun Wysocki all scoring in double figures. Saturday saw Johnson turn in a star-making performance, scoring 42 points while draining eight three-pointers. MSUM was able to capture a 104-98 victory over St. Cloud State in double overtime thanks to Johnson's effort. 

A Star Is Born...Freshman point guard Carson Johnson showcased his immeasurable skill last Saturday. Johnson poured in 42 points, the sixth-highest single-game total in program history. In those 42 points, Johnson buried eight three-pointers, which is the second-most in a single game in Dragon basketball history. It is the most points scored by a true freshman in program history and is the most points in a single game since the 1995-96 season. Overall, Johnson shot 53.8 percent from the field for the game. Johnson was named to the NSIC's 'Shining Five' for his efforts. 

Can't Forget Kinsey...Junior Logan Kinsey was superb again in both MSUM victories. The Blaine, Minn., native had back-to-back 20-point showings after scoring 23 against Northern State and 21 against St. Cloud State. Kinsey averaged 7.5 rebounds across the two games and connected on 48.4 percent of his field goal attempts. Kinsey was also on the NSIC's 'Shining Five' this week. 

Ed: The Great Facilitator...Junior guard Eddie Beeninga has been stellar off the bench for the Dragons as of late. Primarily, Beeninga has been a key facilitator in the Dragon offense. The junior averaged three assists last week, including six against St. Cloud State on Saturday. Overall, Beeninga is second on the roster with 38 total assists.

Baseline Bill Is Here...Sophomore Will Kinsey saw an expanded role this past week for the Dragons. On Thursday against Northern State, Kinsey scored six points with three rebounds in 10 minutes of action. However, Kinsey was utilized heavily on Saturday against St. Cloud State and he did not squander the chance. Kinsey scored 11 points with two rebounds and two steals. The Blaine, Minn., product drained a pair of corner threes in the Dragon win. 

Quick Scout...Minot State possesses one of NCAA Division II's best players in big man Caleb van de Griend.  The Beaver star averages nearly 20 points per game to go along with 13 rebounds a contest. Most impressively, van de Griend bolsters a 70 percent success rate from the floor this season. Mary is led by Jeremiah Jones and Kevin McGaskey, who average nearly 24 points per game between them.

Tim Bergstraser is in his third season as MSUM's head men's basketball coach.