Box Score Mankato, Minn. --- The fifth-rated Minnesota State men’s basketball team put together a solid effort Saturday evening at Taylor Center as it defeated Minnesota, Crookston 93-55.

The win brings MSU’s record to 19-3, with a 15-3 mark in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference action. With the loss, UMC falls to 3-19 overall, with a 0-18 record in league play.

Sophomore Assem Marei led the way for the Mavericks as he dropped in a game-high 18 points, 14 of which came in the opening session, to go along with eight rebounds. Sophomore Zach Romashko added 16 points, while senior Jarvis Williams tallied 11 points.

MSU entered the second half with a 45-29 lead and would continue to pour it on as it increased its lead to as much as 44 points, as it outscored the Golden Eagles 48-26 in the second half to secure the 93-55 win.

As a team, the Mavericks passed out 23 helpers, nine of which came from sophomore Zach Monaghan, compared to UMC’s eight. MSU also posted nine steals and forced 11 Golden Eagle turnovers.

Ashton Harrell led UMC with 14 points, while AJ Barge added 12 points.

Minnesota State was firing on all cylinders as it shot a crisp 55.4% (36-of-65) from the field, including an 8-of-19 (42.1%) from three point land. UMC shot just 33.9% (19-of-56) from the field and only connected on four of 20 attempts from beyond the arc.

The Mavericks hit the road for a pair of games beginning Friday as they take on Upper Iowa. The opening tip is set for 8 p.m.

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