Box Score Fayette, Iowa --- The #8 Minnesota State men’s basketball team maintained its perfect record on the road as it defeated the Upper Iowa Peacocks 67-54.

With the win, MSU improved to 20-3 on the season, with a 16-3 record in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play. With the loss, UIU falls to 17-8, with a 13-6 NSIC record. The Mavericks are now 12-0 in games played away from Taylor Center this season.

It was a solid team effort that guided the Mavericks to their 20th win of the season as four players posted at least 10 points in the winning effort. Junior Connor O’Brien was a force on the glass as he matched his career-high with 15 rebounds, to go along with 13 points for his 12th career double double.

Sophomore Zach Monaghan also made his presence felt as he posted a game-high 17 points, to go along with six helpers and five steals. All five of his steals came in the first half.

Sophomore Assem Marei added 10 points, five rebounds and four blocks, while junior Gage Wooten tallied 10 points and five rebounds.

As a team, MSU shot 24-of-49 (.490) from the field and connected on 18-of-25 (.720) shots from the charity stripe.

Tucker Wentzien led the Peacocks with 10 points, while Sam Elgin added nine points and five rebounds.

MSU opened the first half with a five point lead and did not let up through the final 20 minutes as it claimed the 67-54 win. The Mavericks would lead by as much as 16 points in the second half, as the Peacocks managed to come within five points just one time.

The first half featured some close action as both teams were tied at 10 with 12:39 left in the first frame. Upper Iowa managed to build a five-point lead at 21-16 with 8:03 remaining in the opening session, but the Mavericks would finish the half on a 17-7 run to take a 33-28 lead into the locker room.

O’Brien led the Mavericks with eight points and 10 rebounds in the first half, while Monaghan added seven points and five steals. Wooten tallied eight points and four rebounds as well.

As a team, MSU shot 11-of-14 (.786) from the line and outrebounded the Peacocks 24-14 in the first half.

The Mavericks wrap up their two-game road trip Saturday as they take on the #15 Winona State Warriors. The opening tip is set for 6 p.m.
                                                                                    
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