Box Score MANKATO, Minn. --- The #9 Minnesota State men's basketball team rolled Friday evening at Taylor Center as it defeated the Upper Iowa Peacocks 95-56.

With the win, the Mavericks improved to 8-1, including a 2-0 mark in NSIC action. With the loss, Upper Iowa fell to 2-6, with a 0-2 record in conference action.

Junior Assem Marei notched his eighth career double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while senior Tanner Adler dropped in a game-high 18 points, while shooting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Seniors Connor O'Brien and Gage Wooten each tallied nine points and 10 rebounds as well.

As a team, MSU shot 52.4% (33-of-63) from the field, including a 10-of-24 (.417) from beyond the arc. The Mavericks also brought down 59 rebounds and dished out 17 assists.

The Mavericks didn't waste any time building a double-digit lead, as they went up by 11 at 16-5 with 15:25 left in the first half. The Peacocks managed to get back within six, but the Mavericks stormed right back as they took a 52-31 lead into intermission.

Marei led all scorers in the first half with 12 points, to go along with eight rebounds, while O'Brien added nine points and seven boards.

As a team, MSU connected on 17-of-32 (.531) of its shots from the field in the first half, including a 6-of-13 (.462) showing from behind the arc. The Mavericks also made 12-of-14 (.857) of their shots from the line in the opening session as well.

The Mavericks did not miss a step in the second half as they outscored the Peacocks 43-25, en route to a 95-56 win.

Joey Woods led Upper Iowa with 14 points, while Austin Mecca brought down a team-high six rebounds.

The Mavericks wrap up their two-game homestand Saturday as they host the Winona State Warriors. The opening tip is set for 6 p.m.
 
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