The Minot State University (MSU) men’s basketball team is ready to compete in their first game at the MSU Dome after a successful trip down south. In San Juan for the Puerto Rico classic, the Beavers delivered in all three chances they got in a unique opportunity that was presented early in the 2024-25 campaign.

MSU gets the home slate started with a classic North Dakota duel against the University of Jamestown Jimmies.

The Beavers (5-0) square off with Jamestown (2-3) Wednesday, November 21, at home. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. (CT) following the MSU women in their matchup with Mayville State.

The last time these two met was in the Magic City on November 25, 2023. Nearly a year to the day when MSU took control and never looked back with a 99-58 victory. The Beavers also look to even the all-time series at nine wins apiece.

Players to watch for Jamestown include Silas Bennion, Owen Hektner, and Anthony Walters.

Walters and Hektner both average 15.2 points per game while shooting at least 45% from the field and 41% or more from the arc, with Walters providing from the bench in all 5 games played. Bennion sits at 12.6 PPG, but his playmaking will be on display as he has registered three assists per game.

MSU is getting good production from their starting unit as they look to keep things going once again. Jalen Cook at 16.4 points per game and Ayouba Berthe with 16.0 points per game have been filling the scoresheet in this limited sample size of the season.

Cleaning up on the boards has been Caleb Van De Griend. He sits with 10.6 rebounds per game so far.

And for the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) ‘Player to Watch’ Jaxon Gunville, he has picked up where he left off as the main shooting threat for MSU. He has been money from deep, making 22 of 53 shots for 41.5% from three.

MSU completed a perfect road trip to go 3-0 in the Puerto Rico classic to bump their record to 5-0. On November 16 in the previous contest, the Beavers pulled away for an 89-67 win over UPR – Mayaguez.

All five starters scored double figures for Minot State, led by 21 and 13 rebounds for a double-double by Caleb Van De Griend. Cook followed with 19, while Jaxon Gunville and Berthe both scored 13, and Sam West finished the night with 10 points to round out a nice productive outing by the starting five.