MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team dropped its exhibition contest against St. Thomas 74-52 at Taylor Center.

Senior forward Assem Marei led the Mavericks with 20 points and five rebounds, while senior guard Zach Monaghan dropped in 15 points, to go along with seven assists.

Marcus Alipate paced the Tommie offense with 17 points, while Taylor Montero tallied 16 points and seven rebounds.

The Tommies opened up their first double-digit lead at 20-8 with 12:25 to go in the first half. The Mavericks managed to cut the lead to as little as seven at 31-24 with 4:49 left in the opening half, but St. Thomas was able to carry a 38-26 lead into halftime.

St. Thomas would maintain it double-digit lead throughout the entire second half as it secured the 74-52 win.

Minnesota State opens its season on Friday as it takes on Central Missouri at the Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. The opening tip is set for 6 p.m.

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