ABERDEEN, S.D. --- Both teams saw some clutch shots made in the final minute but it was Northern State that would make the final one as the Wolves bested #18 Minnesota State 73-72.
With the win, NSU improves to 18-3, with a 12-3 NSIC record. With the loss, MSU falls to 16-4, with an 11-3 league record.
The final minute of the game saw Northern State leading 70-69 after a lay up from senior
Assem Marei. NSU would fail to convert on its following possession, as the Mavericks grabbed the defensive rebound with 28 seconds to go. Eight seconds later sophomore
Mike Busack would drain a shot from behind the arc to give the Mavericks a 72-70 lead with 20 seconds left.
Northern State's DJ Pollard would miss a three point attempt with nine seconds left, but NSU would get the offensive rebound which set up Pollard's game-winning three with 1.9 seconds left. Senior
Zach Monaghan managed to get a shot off before the buzzer but it bounced off the rim as the Wolves held on to the 73-72 victory.
Senior
Connor Miller led the Maverick offense with 19 points, including a 12-of-14 showing from the line. Busack finished his night with 15 points, including a 3-of-4 performance from behind the arc. Marei added 12 points and seven rebounds as well.
As a team, MSU shot 42.2% from the field, to go along with a 28-of-33 (.848) showing from the line. The Mavericks also brought down 31 rebounds.
Pollard finished the night with a game-high 28 points, as he shot 9-of-12 from the field. Seth Bachand chipped in with 14 points and five rebounds as well.
The Wolves ended their night shooting 48% from the field, including an 8-of-16 performance from behind the arc.
The Mavericks wrap up their road trip on Saturday as they take on the #7 MSU Moorhead Dragons. The game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
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