SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --- Both Minnesota State and MSU Moorhead saw some clutch shots in the final seconds but it was the Dragons that got the last one to fall as they handed the Mavericks an 81-80 loss in the third round of the NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament Monday afternoon.

With the loss, the Mavericks fall to 24-7 on the season, while the Dragons improve to 32-2. MSU's loss ended a 10-game winning streak in the NSIC Tournament dating back to the 2012-13 season.

After taking an 39-31 lead into the locker room, the Dragons were able to build a 16-point lead at 61-45 with 13:16 to go in the game. The Mavericks would not go quietly as they went on an 18-0 run over the next 6:10 to take a 63-61 lead.

Neither team would lead by more than four points through the final six minutes of the game as the lead changed hands a five more time.

With eight seconds remaining the Mavericks were trailing 79-77, before senior Zach Monaghan nailed a shot from behind the arc to put the Mavericks up 80-79. Jordan Riewer then raced down the court getting the last second shot to drop for the Dragons at the buzzer to claim the 81-80 win.

Senior Assem Marei led the Mavericks offense with 24 points and nine rebounds, while Monaghan chipped in with 18 points and six assists. Sophomore Mike Busack added 16 points and seven rebounds, while senior Connor Miller netted 12 points.

As a team, the Mavericks shot 50% from the field, including a 63.3% showing in the second half. MSU also hauled in 30 rebounds and passed out 15 assists.

Tyler Vaughn led the Dragon offense with 21 points and six rebounds, while Riewer tallied 15 points and six assists.

As a team, the Dragons shot 59% from the field to go along with a 9-of-13 (.692) performance from behind the arc.

The Mavericks will learn it postseason fate on Sunday during the NCAA Selection Show. The show will be streamed on the NCAA website at 9:30 p.m.
   
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