WINONA, Minn. – Minnesota State senior center Travis Nelson scored a season-high 26 points – 18 of which came in the second half – as Minnesota State earned a 76-71 victory over Winona State Saturday evening in front of 2,488 fans in McCown Gymnasium on the campus of Winona State University.

The win marked Minnesota State’s first victory over Winona State in Winona since Dec. 3, 2004, a span of four contests.

“I am extremely proud with our effort tonight,” said head coach Matt Margenthaler.  “That had the feel of an NCAA tournament game.  Our bench was huge for us tonight.  I can’t begin to say how happy I am with this team right now.”

The game opened with both teams trading leads back and forth.  With the score tied at 12, Minnesota State 10-2 run to open its largest lead of the game at 22-14 with five minutes and 35 seconds remaining in the half.  Winona State would scored 15 of the half’s final 24 points as the Mavericks took a 31-29 lead into the intermission.  Neither team shot the ball well in the first half as Minnesota State connected on 38.2 percent of its chances while Winona State hit on 36.7 percent.

Both teams traded the lead a couple of times in the second half.  Winona State opened a three point lead at 61-58 with 5:40 remaining in the game, marking the final time it would hold a lead in the game.  Minnesota State junior guard Taylor Morrow answered with a three-point basket from the right wing to tie the game on the ensuing Maverick possession.

Junior guard Cameron Hodges knocked down a pair of free throws on MSU’s next trip down the court to give MSU a lead it would not relinquish.

The free throw line played a vital role for the Mavericks down the stretch as Minnesota State connected on all eight of its free throws in the final five minutes.

Nelson’s 26 points led all scorers as he connected on 11-of-20 chances including 4-of-5 from the line.  Nelson had a team-high eight rebounds, six of which came on the offensive end of the court .

Senior guard Jesse Clark added 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including all three of his free throws and his only three-point attempt.  Clark also added seven helpers. 

Minnesota State finished the game with 23 assists, its second-highest total of the season.  In addition to Clark’s seven assists, junior Marcus Hill added five helpers and senior Jermain Davis added four assists.

Minnesota State won the battle of the boards, 37-31, including 13-7 on the offensive end.  The 13 offensive rebounds resulted in 12 second-chance points for the Mavericks.  MSU also outscored WSU, 40-28 in the paint.

Minnesota State finished the night shooting 47.5 percent from the floor while limiting WSU to 43.6 percent.