SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --- The lead changed hands 14 times Saturday evening in Stewart Center but it was Minnesota State that was able to come away with the win over Sioux Falls in the final seconds as it claimed a 70-68 victory.

With the win, MSU improves to 14-6, including a mark of 9-5 in NSIC play. With the loss, USF falls to 11-9, including a 6-8 conference record.

The first half saw a close battle as both teams were knotted up at 13 with 11:47 left in the half. The first eight minutes featured five lead changes as neither team led by more than four.

The Cougars would go on to hold the lead from the 10:42 mark on as they led by as many as 11 points. An old fashioned three point play from junior Jon Fuqua brought the Mavericks back within eight points of USF at 39-31 before the end of the half.

A trio of Mavericks netted seven points in the opening stanza, including freshman Joey Witthus, and seniors Lucas Brown and Snoop Viser.

As a unit, MSU shot 39.1% from the field in the first half, to go with an 11-of-13 (.846) performance from the free throw line.

Clint Thomas led all scorers in the first half with 11 points, while Jared Mayes added eight points and four rebounds. As a team, USF shot 45.2% from the field in the first half, including a 6-of-11 (.545) showing from behind the arc.

The second half saw the Mavericks gradually chip away at the USF lead. MSU managed to tie the game four times by the 6:33 mark, but each time Sioux Falls reclaimed the lead. MSU finally jumped back in front 57-56 with 3:54 remaining after a layup from Fuqua.

Seven more lead changes took place in the next five minutes, including at the 1:01 mark when Jared Myers put USF up 68-67 after hitting a pair of free throws. Each team would miss a layup on their next possession, which left MSU with the ball with 24 seconds remaining.

Senior Jalen Pendleton then drove to the hoop and got his layup to drop, which put MSU up 69-68 with 13 seconds left. The Cougars had a couple of opportunities to retake the lead but each shot was off the mark. Fuqua would grab the defensive rebound and proceeded to hit one of two free throws in the final second to bring the final score to 70-68 in favor of MSU.

Five Mavericks finished the game with 11 or more points, including Pendleton, who notched 18 points and eight rebounds. Fuqua recorded his second double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds as well. Viser and Witthus each finished with 12 points, while Brown finished his night with 11 points and five rebounds.

As a team, MSU shot 44.4% from the field. The Mavericks also hauled in 40 rebounds, including 25 in the second half.

Four Cougars netted at least 10 points, including Thomas who recorded a team-high 17 points. Mayes added 12 points and six rebounds, while Mack Johnson and Drew Guebert each netted 10 points each.

As a team, USF shot 42.4% from the field, but it was held to a 1-of-7 (.143) showing from behind the arc in the second half. The Cougars also recorded eight blocks and passed out 15 assists.

The Mavericks return to Taylor Center on Friday as they host the Northern State Wolves. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.

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