Rohnert Park, Calif. ---The Minnesota State men’s basketball team used a balanced scoring attack en route to an 86-78 victory over San Francisco State to close out the 2012 Ron Logsdon Basketball Classic.

Junior forward Connor O'Brien scored a game-high 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting to pace Minnesota State.

“I really liked how balanced we were tonight,” said head coach Matt Margenthaler.  “I think that will be a theme for our team this year.  I’m really proud of our guys.  We came out here on a business trip and we took care of business.”

Minnesota State weathered an early San Francisco State storm as the Gators opened a 9-0 lead early. 

The Mavericks responded with a 14-5 run to tie the game at 14 with 14:22 left in the first half.  Both teams then traded buckets – the first half featured six ties and five lead changes – before MSU took a 42-39 lead at the break.

All nine Mavericks that played in the first half scored, led by sophomore forward Assem Marei’s eight points. Minnesota State shot 69.6 percent in the game’s opening 20 minutes while hitting on 57.1 percent of its three-point opportunities.  

Minnesota State led throughout the entire second half as the closest that the Gators get is two at 58-56 with 12:33 remaining.

O’Brien was joined in double figures by senior guard Jarvis Williams who scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to record his second straight double-double and the third by a Maverick this season.  Marei and sophomore forward Zach Romashko each had ten while junior wing Gage Wooten had 11.

The Mavericks tickled the twine at a 62.7 percent clip, including 50 percent from downtown. Minnesota State won the battle of the glass, 29-20.

Minnesota State (3-0) returns to action Saturday when it hosts Mount Marty at 6 p.m., in Bresnan Arena’s Taylor Center.

Listen to Connor O'Brien following the game HERE

Listen to Matt Margenthaler following the game HERE