Wayne, Neb. --- The Minnesota State men’s basketball team opened the 2011-12 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference season with a 65-60 victory over Wayne State College Friday evening.

The Mavericks, who trailed 26-24 at half, shot a season-high 45 percent in the win to earn the victory. 

“I am so proud of this team tonight,” said head coach Matt Margenthaler, who is now 4-0 in NISC openers.  “We executed very well tonight for 40 minutes and got to the free throw line.  Now the key is to carry this into tomorrow’s win.”

Freshman post Zach Romashko led MSU in scoring with 16 points, including hitting on all six of his free throw attempts  while senior guard #Stephen Kirschbaum# tied his career-high with 15 points, including 11-of-12 from the free throw line.

Junior guard DJ Hoskins added 12 points while sophomore post #Connor O’Brien# recorded his third double-double of the year and the sixth of his career with a  10-point, 10-rebound effort.

Minnesota State, which entered the game attempting 20.5 three-point field goals per game, limited its chances from outside, attempting just five three’s and connecting on two, with Hoskins hitting both.  MSU won the battle of the glass, 34-23, including 12-8 on the offensive end.

The Mavericks (2-3, 1-0 NSIC) travel to Augustana tomorrow evening for a 6 p.m., tip-off against the Vikings.