Hitting the road for their biggest contest of the season prior to Christmas, the Beaver men’s basketball team rose to the occasion with a convincing upset of Minnesota State Moorhead, so convincing the victory vaulted Minot State University (MSU) to No. 5 in the nation.

The unbeaten Beavers climbed seven spots in the latest NABC national coaches poll and found themselves with an all-time NCAA best ranking of No. 5 in the country with 328 points.

The Beavers are one of only five undefeated teams in the latest poll led by Nova Southeastern (Fla.) (11-0), then Washburn (Kan.) (12-0) at No. 2, and Daemen (N.Y.) (11-0) at No. 3. Ferris State (Mich.) (12-1) is No. 4, then the 5th-ranked Beavers (15-0 overall, 6-0 NSIC).

Pace (N.Y.) (12-0) is ranked No. 7 and the only other unbeaten team in the Top 25.

Joining the Beavers in the NABC national poll is MSU Moorhead (10-2, 5-1), which slipped six spots to No. 12 with the loss to Minot State.

Lurking just outside the Top 25 was Winona State, which had 19 points and is ranked unofficially tied for No. 27, Southwest Minnesota State, which earned 6 points and is 13th in “others receiving votes,” and Concordia, St. Paul, which received 5 points and is 15th in “others receiving votes.”

MSU returns from the holiday break and hosts Winona State (10-3, 5-2) this Friday, January 3, at 7:30 p.m. at the MSU Dome. The men play following the women’s game, which tips off at 5:30 p.m. The night is also Military Appreciation Night and all active and retired military, and their families, get in free to the game.

Saturday, January 4, the Beavers host reigning national women’s and men’s national champions Minnesota State, Mankato. The women tip off at 3:30 p.m., and the men tip off at 5:30 p.m. at the MSU Dome.