Box Score Mankato, Minn.--- Concordia University shot a scorching 55.8 percent from the field en route to a 79-73 victory over Minnesota State Saturday night in front of 2,053 fans in the Taylor Center on the campus of Minnesota State University.

The Mavericks came out on fire opening a 13-6 lead just four minutes and four seconds into the game.  Concordia answered back with a 12-5 run to tie the game at 18 with 10:33 remaining.

Both teams traded baskets until  CU broke a 28-all tie with 4:03 remaining with a 7-3 run to take a 35-31 lead into half.    

The Mavericks shot 44 percent in the first half while the Golden Bears hit on 55.6 percent of their chances.  

Concordia maintained its lead for the first 13:59 seconds of the second half opening a leads as big as nine with 10:57 remaining at 55-45.  The Mavericks used a 16-5 run to take a 61-60 lead with 6:54 remaining on a three-pointer by senior guard Cameron Hodges.  After both teams traded baskets, CU rebuilt its lead down the stretch.

The Mavericks pulled within three at 76-73 with 37 seconds remaining when senior wing Jefferson Mason drilled a three from the top of the key, but that was as close as MSU would get.

Mason led all scorers with a game-high 28 points to go with 15 rebounds, eight of which were offensive.  Mason finished 7-of-13 from the floor, including 2-of-3 from the three-point line and 12-of-13 from the free throw line in 35 minutes of action.  Senior guard Marcus Hill added 14 points and five rebounds to round out the Mavericks in double-digits.

The Mavericks, who finished shooting 33.3 percent from the floor, outrebounded CU, 43-29, including 24-10 on the offensive end.  Minnesota State finished the night with five more offensive rebounds (24) than defensive (19).

Brent Barz led Concordia with 26 points on 11-of-13 shooting.

Minnesota State (20-3, 16-3 NSIC) takes to the road next weekend as it travels to Minnesota Duluth Friday evening for an 8 p.m., game against the Bulldogs.

To view the stats, click HERE

To listen to coach Margenthaler post game, click HERE

Tonight's senior night presentation: