MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State saw five players drop in at least 12 points Friday evening in Taylor Center as the Mavericks bested the Upper Iowa Peacocks 97-75.

With the win,the Mavericks improve to 7-2 on the season, including a 2-1 record in NSIC action. With the loss, Upper Iowa falls to 5-7, including a 1-3 league record.

The first half saw a pair of lead changes as the Mavericks and the Peacocks found themselves tied at 11 with 14:54 to go in the half. MSU would then outscore UIU 41-22 through the final 15 minutes of the first half to take a 52-33 lead into the locker room.

Senior Jalen Pendleton led all scorers with 11 points, while junior Jon Fuqua tallied nine points and six rebounds.

As a team, MSU shot 55.6% from the field in the first half, including a 6-of-9 showing from behind the arc. The Mavericks also connected on 16-of-20 (.800) attempts from the free throw line.

Josh Weeber led the Peacock offense in the first half with nine points, while Luke Lenhart added eight points and two rebounds.

The second half saw the Mavericks lead by at least 14 points throughout as MSU secured the 97-75 win.

Fuqua led all scorers with 21 points on the day, to go along with a game-high nine rebounds. Pendleton and sophomore TJ Lake each chipped in with 17 points, with Lake connecting on 4-of-4 shots from behind the arc.

Freshman Joey Witthus added 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists as well, while senior Snoop Viser notched 12 points.

As a team, MSU shot 51.9% form the field, including an 11-of-20 (.550) performance from behind the arc. The Mavericks also took advantage of their trips to the line as the hit 30-of-38 (.789) shots.

MSU also controlled the glass as it outrebounded UIU 43-30, to go along with a 16-8 advantage in assists.

Weeber and Carson Parker led the Peacock offense with 12 points each.

The Mavericks continue their homestand on Saturday as they host the Winona State Warriors. The opening tip is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.

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