MANKATO, Minn. --- The #20 Minnesota State men's basketball team made it seven straight wins at Taylor Center Friday evening as it topped Southwest Minnesota State 95-78.

With the win, MSU improves to 15-3 on the season, including a 10-2 mark in NSIC action. With the loss, SMSU falls to 9-10, including a 5-8 conference record.

A total of five Mavericks reach double-figures in MSU's win, including senior Connor Miller, who notched a game-high 24 points, on an 8-of-12 performance from the field. This is the second time in the last three games Miller has surpassed the 20-point plateau.

Senior Zach Monaghan also made his presence felt as he tallied his 14th career double-double with 18 points and 12 assists. Senior Zach Romashko also posted 18 points, with senior Connor Miller and sophomore Mike Busack following with 13 points and 10 points, respectively.

As a team, MSU shot 54.2% from the field, including a 13-of-24 (.542) showing from behind the arc. The Mavericks also passed out 18 assists, while forcing 10 SMSU turnovers.

Joey Bartlett led the Mustang offense with 21 points, while Mitch Weg added 12 points and six rebounds.

As a team, the Mustangs shot 47.9% from the field, to go along with 37 rebounds, which included 14 off the offensive glass.

The Mavericks held the lead through the entire first half, including a 14-point lead at 42-28 with 6:24 left in the half. The Mustangs were able to cut into the MSU lead through the final six minutes of the half as they pulled within six points of the Mavericks at 46-40 heading into halftime.

Miller led all scorers in the first half with 13 points, while Monaghan added seven points and seven assists.

As a team, MSU shot 53.3% from the field in the first half, including a 7-of-14 (50%) showing from behind the arc.
 
As a team, the Mustangs brought down 21 rebounds in the first half, including eight offensive rebounds.

The second half saw the Mustangs pull within four points of the Mavericks on two occasions, but SMSU would get no close as MSU maintained its lead throughout the entire final 20 minutes, en route to a 95-78 win.

The Mavericks continue conference play at Taylor Center on Saturday as they take on the Sioux Falls Cougars. The opening tip is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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