Box Score Mankato, Minn. --- The sixth-rated Minnesota State men’s basketball team continued to roll Sunday evening as it defeated the Harding Bisons 86-65 to advance to the finals of the NCAA Central Region Tournament.

With the win, MSU improves to 28-4 on the season. With the loss, Harding wraps up its season with a 22-10 record.

Minnesota State once again got several solid performances as four Mavericks notched at least 12 points in the winning effort. Senior Jarvis Williams, junior Gage Wooten and sophomore Assem Mareiall tallied 16 points, while junior Connor O'Brien added 12 points of his own. MSU also saw four players bring down at least five rebounds as well, with O’Brien, Marei and Williams each posting seven. Wooten adding five rebounds as well.

As a team the Mavericks shot 29-of-51 (.569) from the field, to go along with a 23-of-28 (.821) effort from the free throw line. MSU also dished out 13 assists and forced nine Harding turnovers.

The Mavericks began the second half with a 41-28 lead and maintained at least an eight point lead throughout the entire second half as they outscored the Bisons 45-37 in the second half to claim the 86-65 win.

Andraz Kavas led the Bisons with 15 points, while Zach Roddenberry tallied 10 points. Adam Sterrenberg added eight points and four assists as well.

MSU controlled the pace of the first half throughout as it led by as many as 15 points. With 9:42 left in the opening frame the Mavericks led Harding 23-16, before closing the first half on an 18-12 run to take a 41-28 lead into the locker room.

The Mavericks will take on the Winona State Warriors Tuesday in the NCAA Central Region Finals. The opening tip is set for 7 p.m.
                                                                                     
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