MANKATO, Minn. --- The #13 Minnesota State men's basketball team opened its NSIC schedule in fine style Friday evening in Taylor Center as the Mavericks defeated the #11 Augustana Vikings 81-67.

With the win, the Mavericks improve to 6-1 on the season, including a 1-0 record in NSIC play. With the loss, the Vikings fall to 7-1 on the season, including a 1-1 NSIC record.

The Mavericks got a pair of big performances from a pair of seniors in Assem Marei and Zach Monaghan.

Marei matched his previous career-high with 25 points and 14 rebounds, while shooting 10-of-18 from the field. He also notched three blocks in 35 minutes of playing time.

Monaghan, who led all scorers with 29 points, became the 38th member of the MSU 1,000 point club and now has 1,011 career points. He posted 21 of his 29 points in the second half, to go along with a game-high six assists and four steals. He also connected on 5-of-10 shots from behind the arc.

Daniel Jansen led the Vikings with 25 points and seven rebounds, while Alex Richter added 16 points and seven rebounds.

Augustana led through most of the first half and built a seven-point lead at 23-16 with 6:59 left to go in the opening frame. The Mavericks would finish the first half on a 19-6 run to take a 35-29 lead into the locker room.

In the second half the Mavericks led throughout as they maintained at least a 10-point lead through the final 11 minutes of the contest to secure the 81-67 victory.

As a team, MSU shot 50% (29-of-58) from the field, including an 11-of-23 (.478) showing from behind the arc. The Mavericks outrebounded the Vikings 39-33 and recorded 23 points off of 13 Augustana turnovers.

The Mavericks also saw their bench chip in with 19 points.

Minnesota State wraps up the weekend on Saturday as it hosts the Wayne State Wildcats in Taylor Center. The opening tip is set for 7 p.m.
 
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