SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team saw several players make their presence felt Sunday afternoon as the Mavericks earned a 96-74 victory over St. Cloud State in the second round of the NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament.

With the win, MSU improves to 24-6, while SCSU falls to 18-12. The Mavericks have now won their last four meetings against the Huskies.

The Mavericks saw six players drop in 10 points or more in their win over St. Cloud State. Senior Assem Marei led all scorers with 21 points, to go along with 13 rebounds, for his 29th career double-double. Sophomore Mike Busack tied his career-high with 20 points, while senior Zach Monaghan tallied his 15th career double-double with 15 points and 11 assists.

Senior Connor Miller tallied 10 points and six assists, while freshman TJ Lake notched 12 points, including a 5-of-5 showing from the line. Senior Zach Romashko added 14 points off the bench as well.

As a team, MSU shot 50.7% from the field, including a 10-of-24 (.417) showing from behind the arc. The Mavericks also connected on 18-of-23 (.783) shots from the line.

MSU also held the edge on the glass as it hauled in 45 rebounds, compared to SCSU's 31. The Mavericks also passed out 19 assists and forced 15 Huskie turnovers.

Scottie Stone led the Huskies with 19 points, while Jordan Poydras chipped in with 17. Eddie Alcantara added 10 points and nine rebounds. As a team, SCSU shot 38.5% from the field.

After a close first half in which the Mavericks led 51-46, the Minnesota State offense continued its offensive onslaught as it posted 45 second-half points, while holding SCSU to just 29 points.

St. Cloud State managed to get within three points of the Mavericks at 59-56 but the Huskies would get no closer as the Mavericks outscored SCSU 37-18 through the final 15 minutes of the game to secure the 96-74 victory.

The Mavericks continue play in the NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament semifinals on Monday as they take on #5 MSU Moorhead. The opening tip is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

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