SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --- Third-rated Augustana proved to be too much for Minnesota State Friday evening at Sioux Falls Arena as the Vikings topped the Mavericks 97-68.

With the loss, the Mavericks fall to 5-2, with a 0-1 NSIC record. With the win, the Vikings improve to 5-1, with a 2-0 league record.

About nine minutes into the first half the Vikings held a four-point lead at 18-14. Augustana would then outscore the Mavericks 28-13 through the final 11 minutes to take a 46-27 lead into the locker room.

Senior Jalen Pendleton led the Maverick offense in the first half with 15 points, as he connected on 5-of-10 shots from the field. Junior Jon Fuqua added four points and four rebounds in the first half as well.

As a team, MSU shot 32.3% from the field in the first half, including a 28.6% showing from behind the arc. The Mavericks also hauled in 16 rebounds.

Daniel Jansen led all scorers in the first half with 17 points as he connected on 5-of-6 shots from the field, while Jordan Spencer added 16 points on a perfect 6-of-6 showing from the field.

The Vikings shot 53.3% from the field in the opening session, including an 8-of-13 (.615) clip from behind the arc.

The second half saw the Vikings lead by at least 19 points throughout as they locked down the 97-68 win.

Pendleton tied for the team-lead with 20 points, while senior Lucas Brown established a new career-high with 20 points himself, all of which came in the second half. Brown finished his night with a 5-of-5 showing from the field, to go along with a 10-of-13 performance from the line.

Jansen paced the Augie offense with 28 points and 12 rebounds, while Spencer added 22 points and five assists.

The Mavericks wrap up their road trip on Saturday as they take on the Wayne State Wildcats. The opening tip is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

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