Box Score MANKATO, Minn. --- It was a hotly contested game Saturday evening in front of 2,016 fans at Taylor Center, but No. 9 Minnesota State came up just short against Winona State as it fell 78-75.

With the loss, MSU falls to 8-2 on the season, including a 2-1 record in NSIC play. With the win, WSU improved to 7-2, including a 3-0 record in league play.

In a game that featured 11 lead changes, MSU found itself holding a one-point lead at 72-71 with one minute to go in the game. A Maverick foul sent WSU to the line where it converted both free throws to take the lead at 75-74.

MSU had a few opportunities to take the lead in the closing seconds but it could not convert as the Warriors held on to the 78-75 win.
 
The Maverick duo of juniors Assem Marei and Zach Monaghan led MSU as they each posted a double-double in the loss. Marei, who notched his second straight double-double, posted a team-high 15 points and 11 rebounds. Monaghan established a new career-high with 11 assists, while dropping in 10 points.

Seniors Gage Wooten and Connor O'Brien tallied 14 and 12 points, respectively, as well.

The Warrior offense was led by redshirt freshman Riley Bambenek, who posted a game-high 33 points, to go along with nine rebounds. Sophomore Conrad Masberg added 11 points, while senior Taylor Cameron notched 10 points.

As a team, the Mavericks shot 30-of-71 (.423) from the floor and finished the night shooting 9-of-12 from the line. MSU also passed out 15 assists and forced 13 Winona State turnovers.

The Warriors finished the night shooting 26-of-54 (.481) from the field, and brought down 42 rebounds.

The Mavericks begin a two-game road trip Friday as they take on the Wayne State Wildcats. The opening tip is set for 8 p.m.

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