MANKATO, Minn. --- The #16 Minnesota State men's basketball team remained perfect at home Saturday evening as it topped the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs 86-71 to claim its sixth win in Taylor Center this season.

With the win, MSU improves to 11-2 on the season, including a 6-1 NSIC record. With the loss, UMD falls to 6-8, including a 3-4 conference record.

The first half saw five lead changes early on, but it was the Mavericks that took the first double-digit lead as they went up by 10 at 29-19 with 4:42 left in the half. MSU and UMD would almost match each point for point as the Mavericks carried a nine-point lead at 38-29 into the locker room.

Sophomore Mike Busack led all scorers with 13 points in the first half, while freshman TJ Lake dropped in 10 points.  

As a team, MSU connected on 6-of-12 (.500) shots from behind the arc, to go along with 25 rebounds and 10 assists.

Brett Ervin led the Bulldogs in the first half with 10 points, while Pierre Newton brought down nine rebounds.

The Mavericks and the Bulldogs matched each other point for point early on in the second half as the Mavericks still led by nine at 54-45 with 12:21 left in the game. MSU would outscore UMD 32-26 through the final 12 minutes of the game as it secured the 86-71 victory.

Senior Assem Marei finished the game with his 22nd career double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Busack finished the game with 18 points, while Lake tallied 13, including a 3-of-3 showing from behind the arc. Senior Zach Monaghan added a team-high 11 assists and three steals as well.

As a team, the Mavericks shot 49.2% from the field, including a 46.4% showing from behind the three point line. MSU also brought down 42 rebounds and saw its bench contribute 34 points.

Ervin led the Bulldogs with 23 points, while Newton tallied 19 points and 10 rebounds.

The Mavericks begin a four-game road trip on Friday as they take on the Wayne State Wildcats. The opening tip is scheduled for 8 p.m.

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