Sioux Falls, S.D. --- Minnesota State sophomore center Assem Marei recorded his third consecutive double-double, posting 16 points and 13 rebounds, as Minnesota State finished its weekend with a 74-52 victory over the University of Sioux Falls.

Joining Marei in double figures was senior guard Jarvis Williams and sophomore guard Zach Monaghan with 17 and 14 points respectively.   Additionally, Marei’s 13 rebounds were a season-high.

“Anytime you can finish a weekend with a sweep in this league, it’s a great thing,” said head coach Matt Margenthaler.  “To be 8-1 heading into the break is right where this program should be. I’m excited to see what the second half of the season has in store for this squad.”

The Mavericks opened a 14-5 lead in the first seven and a half minutes as Marei scored eight of MSU’s first 14 points, all of them around the hoop.

The pace of the game slowed as USF crawled its way back into the game before taking a lead at 29-27 with 2:06 remaining in the first half.

Minnesota State regained the lead by making three of four free throws followed by a putback by Marei, giving MSU a 32-29 halftime lead.

Minnesota State opened the second half with a 16-7 run thanks to a flurry of three-point field goals, opening a 48-36 lead with 15 minutes remaining.

From that point on, Minnesota State maintained a double-digit lead and never looked back.

The Mavericks finished the night shooting 53.7 percent from the floor.  Additionally, MSU owned a 39-13 rebounding margin, including a 17-4 edge on the offensive glass.  Minnesota State turned those 17 offensive rebounds into 16 points.

Minnesota State improved to 8-1 with the win, 4-1 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.  The Mavericks return to action Jan. 4, when they return to Sioux Falls to face Augustana at 8 p.m.