Box Score MANKATO, Minn. --- The starting five for the #22 Minnesota State men's basketball team were firing on all cylinders Friday evening in Taylor Center as they accounted for 80 of MSU's points in its 88-67 win over the University of Mary.

With the win, the Mavericks improve to 18-4 on the season, including a 12-3 mark in NSIC play. With the loss, the Marauders fall to 5-15, with a 3-12 mark in league action.

The MSU starting five scored 80 points on the night as they were led by junior Assem Marei, who tallied 21 points to go along with six rebounds. Marei's 9-of-9 showing from the field matched Tim Scharfenberg's mark set against St. Olaf back in 1985.

Junior Zach Monaghan dropped in 17 points and passed out eight assists, while senior Connor O'Brien added 16 points and five rebounds. Seniors Tanner Adler and Gage Wooten each tallied 13 points as well.  

As a team, MSU shot 55.2% (32-of-58) from the field, including a 12-of-28 (.429) showing  from three point land. The Mavericks also posted 44 rebounds and passed out 17 assists.

Chris Mason led the U-Mary offense with 11 points.

The first half saw the Mavericks jump out to a quick 8-0 lead in the first 1:11 of the game. MSU continued to pour it on as it led by as many as 27 points as it took a 52-28 lead into halftime.
 
MSU's starting five combined for 48 of MSU's 52 points in the opening frame, while shooting 82% (18-of-22) from the field. Marei paced the Maverick offense in the opening session with 14 points, including a 6-of-6 showing from the field. Adler and Monaghan each dropped in 11 points, while Wooten added seven points.
 
As a team, MSU shot 66.7% (20-of-30) from the field in the first half. The Mavericks also cleaned up on the glass as they bested the Marauders with a 21-7 rebound advantage. MSU also passed out 10 first-half assists.

The Marauders could not make any headway in the second half as the Mavericks dropped in 39 points, to their 36, as the Mavericks claimed the 88-67 win.
 
The Mavericks continue their homestand Saturday as they host the Minot State Beavers. The opening tip is set for 6 p.m.

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