North Dakota Beats Minot State 84-68 in Women's Basketball Exhibition

Lara Dobbins scores 21 in Minot State exhibition loss

Lara Dobbins scored 21 points to lead the Minot State women’s basketball team in an 84-68 exhibition loss to the North Dakota Fighting Hawks on Sunday.

The contest served as the final exhibition game for the Beavers before the official start of the 2026-27 season, according to MSU Athletics.

While the final score favored North Dakota, Minot State demonstrated several aggressive statistical trends, particularly in defensive pressure and rebounding. The Beavers forced 20 North Dakota turnovers, which they converted into 18 points on the offensive end of the floor.

The team also showed strength in the paint and on the offensive glass. Minot State scored 16 of its 24 points in the paint and collected 11 offensive rebounds, resulting in 14 second-chance points.

Minot State vs North Dakota College Womens Basketball 2026

Statistical breakdown of the Beavers’ performance

The scoring and defensive efforts were concentrated among a few key players. Taryn Hamling scored heavily and played defense, while Helena Kuck led the rebounding.

Player	Key Statistic	Value
Lara Dobbins	Points	21
Taryn Hamling	Points	18

Minot State struggles to keep pace with North Dakota

Minot State controlled the early stages of the game. After securing a 3-2 lead, the Beavers executed a 5-0 run with 8:02 remaining in the first quarter, led by a Dobbins bucket to reach an 8-2 advantage.

North Dakota reclaimed the momentum to enter the second quarter with a 19-16 lead. The Fighting Hawks eventually extended that margin to 38-22 before Minot State responded with another 5-0 run, highlighted by a Dobbins three-pointer, to narrow the deficit to 38-27.

The deficit stood at 41-30 at halftime. North Dakota continued to pull away after the break, building a 52-36 lead. Minot State briefly narrowed that gap to 52-41 with 5:02 left in the third quarter following a 5-0 run punctuated by a Hamling three-pointer.

The Fighting Hawks responded by stretching the lead to 63-44 heading into the final period. Minot State managed to score six of its 14 fourth-quarter points via two three-pointers. A late 10-0 run, finished by a Kyra Beckman layup, brought the deficit to 80-66 with 2:16 remaining, but North Dakota outscored the Beavers through the final minutes to secure the 84-68 victory.

The Beavers move from the exhibition phase into their regular season schedule immediately. Minot State is scheduled to open the season with two games in Puerto Rico, facing the University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon on Friday, November 13, at 10 AM (AT).

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