MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team opened its home schedule with a dominant performance Wednesday evening as the Mavericks topped Clarke College 101-55 in Taylor Center.

With the win, the Mavericks improve to 2-1 on the season, while the Crusaders drop to 3-5.

After shooting just 39% from the field in the first half, the Mavericks turned it up a notch in the second half as they connected on 23-of-37 (.622) shots from the field as they dropped in 59 points to secure their first 100-point game of the season.

Freshman guard Joey Witthus provided the offensive spark in the first half as he tallied 16 points on a 5-of-6 showing from the field, including a 4-of-4 performance from behind the arc. Witthus would go on to finish the game with a game-high 19 points, backed up by a perfect 5-of-5 clip from three point land.

Witthus was just one of five Mavericks who reached double-digits in the scoring column Wednesday evening. Junior guard Mike Busack finished his third home opener with 14 points, all of which came in the second half. Freshman TJ Lake and senior Lucas Brown each chipped in with 12 points, while senior Jon Fuqua added 11 points.

As a team, the Mavericks finished the game connecting on 39-of-78 (.500) shots from the field, including a 13-of-29 (.448) showing from behind the arc. The Mavericks also passed out 23 helpers, seven of which came from senior Snoop Viser.

MSU controlled the glass throughout the entire game as it outrebounded the Crusaders 57-27. Three Mavericks grabbed at least six rebounds in the contest, including Brown who notched a game-high seven. Sophomore Alex Herink, Witthus and senior Jalen Pendleton each grabbed six rebounds as well.

Jud Sailsbery led the Clarke College offense with 17 points and five rebounds, but he was the only Crusader to pass 10 points on the night.

As a team, Clarke College shot 30.4% from the field, to go along with a 40% showing from behind the arc.

Minnesota State continues its four-game homestand on Friday as it hosts the Waldorf Warriors. The opening tip is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

                                                                    -30-