MINOT, ND – In a reversal of fortune from the first meeting of the season between the University of Mary men's basketball team and Minot State University, the visiting Marauders were unable to overcome a second half deficit in an 86-83 loss to the Beavers in the first game of 2026.
The Marauders (5-9 overall, 3-5 NSIC) captured the first meeting of the season 78-73 on November 25 when UMary overcame a 20 point second half deficit. This time, down 15 with 6:45 to play, UMary pulled within a single possession of tying the game before the clock ran out on the Marauders hopes.
Cayden Redfield scored 16 points for the second straight game to lead the Marauders offense. He hit a pair of treys and made 6-of-11 shots from the floor.
Three other Marauders also cracked double figures.
Andre Austin scored 12 points and chipped in four rebounds and three assists.
Kelton Coleman had 10 points and six rebounds. One of the nation's leaders in steals added four to his season total. Tamarrein Hender also chipped in 10 points and snared a team-best eight boards.
Isaiah Alexander led the Beavers (8-6 overall, 5-3 NSIC) with 18 points and seven rebounds. He made 6-of-8 shots from the floor and all six free throws. Deuce Benjamin added 15 points.
In a battle of two different styles, the Marauders drained 11 treys to just four for the Beavers. Minot State did its damage inside, outscoring UMary 54-34. Second chance points also favored the Beavers 21-11.
The Marauders shot 48.4% from the floor with the Beavers checking in at 50.8%. UMary made 12-of-16 free throws while MSU finished 16-of-20.
Minot State scored the first eight points of the game. UMary used a 22-8 run to claim a 22-16 lead when
Alex Dvorak drained a trey. The Beavers eventually claimed a 41-38 lead at break. A
Jackson Ware trey gave the Marauders their last lead of the day at 47-45. Minot State then took control with a 30-13 run before holding off a late UMary charge.
The Marauders return home to host Minnesota State University on Friday, January 9. Game time is 5:30 pm. On Saturday, January 10, UMary hosts St. Cloud State University in a 3:30 pm game. Both contests will be played at the McDowell Activity Center on the UMary campus.
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