SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --- There were a total of eight lead changes at the Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. Friday evening but it was Central Missouri that would come out on top as the Mules downed #7 Minnesota State 67-66.
With the win, Central Missouri improves to 1-0 on the season, while MSU drops to 0-1.
The first half saw UCM lead through the first nine minutes of the game. A layup by junior
Lucas Brown gave MSU its first lead of the game at 11-10 with 11:06 to go in the half. The lead would change hands three more times in the opening session, but it would be the Mules that would head into the locker room with a 30-25 lead.
Brown, along with seniors
Assem Marei and
Connor Miller, paced the Maverick offense in the first half with five points each.
Brennen Hughes led all scorers in the first half with nine points.
The final 20 minutes of the game saw neither team lead by more than four points throughout. With 4:59 left in the game, the Mavericks led by three at 54-51 after a three point field goal from senior
Zach Monaghan.
Central Missouri would rally and retake the lead 39 seconds later after a pair of baskets to go up 55-54. The Mules still clung to a one-point lead at 67-66 with six seconds left. MSU was able to get a rebound off a missed UCM free throw, but Monaghan's layup failed to go in as the Mules went on to win 67-66.
Miller led the Maverick offense with 14 points, to go along with seven assists. Marei notched his first double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Monaghan added 10 points and seven helpers. Freshman
TJ Lake chipped in with 11 points as well.
As a unit, MSU shot 45.8% from the field and 43.8% from three point land. The Mavericks also passed out 17 assists and forced 10 UCM turnovers.
Dillon Deck led the Mules with 14 points, while TJ White posted a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
MSU resumes play on Saturday as it takes on Washburn at the Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. The opening tip is scheduled for 6 p.m.
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