Box Score BEMIDJI, Minn. --- The 18th-rated Minnesota State men's basketball team came out on top of a back and forth affair Friday evening as it topped Bemidji State by the score of  79-74.

With the win, MSU improved to 22-4 on the season, including a 16-3 NSIC record. With the loss, the Beavers fell to 17-6, with a 14-5 record conference action.

MSU had several key contributions on the night, including a pair of 22-point performances from senior Connor O'Brien and junior Assem Marei. Marei added 10 rebounds for his 14th career double-double, while junior Zach Monaghan notched his eighth career double-double with 15 points and 11 assists. Senior Gage Wooten chipped in with 13 points and four helpers as well.

As a team, MSU shot 50% (29-of-58) from the field, to go along with 37 rebounds and 17 assists.

The Beavers were led by Brock Lutes, who tallied a game-high 32 points.

The first half featured a close encounter as the lead changed hands a total of nine times, with neither team leading by more than three points throughout the opening session. The Mavericks grabbed the lead at 31-30 with just under three minutes to go in the first. MSU outscored BSU 6-4 in the final three minutes to take a 37-34 lead into the locker room.

The Maverick offense was led by Marei in the first half as he dropped in 11 points, to go along with six rebounds. O'Brien and Monaghan added eight points each as well.

As a team, MSU connected on 16-of-34 (.471) shots from the field, as it outrebounded the Beavers 21-13. The Mavericks also passed out seven first-half assists.

Lutes led the Beaver offense in the first half with 13 points.

The second half saw eight more lead changes as both teams found themselves knotted up at 58 with 6:31 left to play. MSU then went on an 8-0 run as it led 66-58 with just over four minutes to play. The Mavericks increased their lead to 11 at 75-74 with 1:05 remaining, but BSU managed to pull within three of MSU at 77-74 with 15 seconds left. A pair a free throws from Monaghan iced the game for the Mavericks as they claimed the 79-74 road victory.

The Mavericks continue their four-game road trip Saturday as they take on the Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles. The opening tip is set for 6 p.m.

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