SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --- The seventh-rated Minnesota State men's basketball team earned its first win of the season Saturday evening as it downed the Washburn Ichabods 77-70 at the Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.

With the win, MSU improves to 1-1 on the season, while Washburn falls to 0-2. Both senior Assem Marei and MSU head coach Matt Margenthaler set career milestones in the Maverick victory. Marei became the 37th member of the MSU 1,000 point club, while Margenthaler earned his 285th career victory as he passed Dan McCarrell for the most coaching victories in program history.

The first half saw the Ichabods lead throughout as they led by as much as eight points on three occasions. With 1:39 left in the first half, Washburn held an eight-point lead at 34-26, but a three point shot from freshman TJ Lake and a pair of free throws from senior Zach Monaghan pulled the Mavericks within six points at 37-31 heading into the locker room.

Both Marei and Monaghan led the Mavericks in scoring in the first half with 10 points, while Prince Samuels paced the Washburn with 10 points.

The early part of the second half saw the Ichabods open up the first double-digit lead of the game as they led 43-33 with 17:15 left in the game. The Mavericks then went on an 18-5 run, capped off by a three by sophomore Mike Busack to take the lead at 51-48 with 13:20 left in the game.

The Mavericks would hold the lead the rest of the way as they led by as many as nine points, en route to a 77-70 win.

Marei, who now boasts 1,004 career points, led all scorers with 19, while Busack chipped in with 16 points, including a 3-of-5 showing from behind the arc. Monaghan dropped in 15 points and passed out eight assists, while Lake finished the game with 14 points. Senior Connor Miller added 10 points, six rebounds and four assists as well.

As a unit, MSU shot 44.4% from the field, including a 52.2% performance from long range. The Mavericks also passed out 14 assists, while forcing 19 Washburn turnovers.

Stephon Drane led the Ichabods with 15 points, while Samuels tallied 12 points.

The Mavericks return to Taylor Center on Friday as they play host to Northland. The opening tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.


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