Box Score MANKATO, Minn. --- The 12th-rated Minnesota State men's basketball team took care of business Tuesday evening in Taylor Center as it downed Clarke University 117-56.
 
With the win, MSU improves to 5-1 on the season while Clarke University stayed steady  at 4-1.

MSU sank 11 three pointers in the first half alone and ended with a total of 16, tying the single-game record last set at St. Cloud State during the 2003-04 season. In total, MSU connected on 41-of-70 (.586) shots from the field.

MSU's 117 points represents the first time the Mavericks have eclipsed the 100-point mark in a game since they dropped in 100 points against Bethany Lutheran last season.

The Mavericks saw two players surpass the 20-point mark including juniors Zach Monaghan and Zach Romashko. Monaghan had 20 points while Romashko had a team high 21, to go along with a career-high 14 rebounds for his first double double of the season.  

Seniors Gage Wooten and Tanner Adler each dropped in 15 points, while sophomore TJ Okafor and freshman Mike Busack each tallied 12 points.

Clarke was led by John Hedrington who posted 11 points.

The Crusaders managed to hang with the Mavericks through the five minutes as they held a one point lead at 10-9. The Mavericks then finish the first half on a 50-22 run to take a 59-32 lead into the locker room.

The Mavericks did not let up in the second half as they outscored Clarke 58-24 in the second half to secure the 117-56 win.

MSU concludes its homestand Monday as it hosts Dakota State. The opening tip is set for 7 p.m.

                                                                  -30-