MANKATO, Minn. --- It was not a pretty victory Friday evening in Taylor Center, but the Minnesota State men's basketball team kept its undefeated record at home intact as it topped Wayne State 86-81.

With the win, the Mavericks improve to 11-3, including a 6-2 NSIC record. MSU now owns an 8-0 record at Taylor Center. With the loss, WSC falls to 3-11, with a 1-8 conference record.

The first half saw both teams hold the lead for at least nine minutes, as the lead changed hands just one time. Wayne State controlled the tempo early on in the half as it built a nine-point lead at 20-11 with 12:24 remaining in the half. MSU would take the lead less than three minutes later after a layup from freshman Cole Harper as the Mavericks went up 22-20.

MSU eventually built a seven-point lead at 43-36 with just over a minute to go, but Wayne State was able to pull back within two at 43-41 as Brian Goodwin hit a shot from long range as time expired in the half.

Harper led the MSU offense in the first half with 13 points, while junior Jon Fuqua notched nine points and six rebounds. Senior Jalen Pendleton and freshman Joey Witthus added seven points each in the first half as well.

As a team, MSU shot 51.5% (17-of-33) from the field in the first half, to go with 22 rebounds and eight assists.

Matt Thomas led the Wildcat offense in the first half with 13 points. WSC shot 46.9% from the field in the first half, to go with a 6-of-6 performance from the line.

The second half saw the Wildcats knot up the score at 47 with 17:45 remaining, but the Mavericks would hold the lead throughout the rest of the second half. MSU led by as many as 10 points but Wayne State would not let the game get out of hand as MSU held on to the 86-81 win.

Harper finished his evening with a season-high 15 points and nine rebounds, while Pendleton notched a game-high 27 points. Fuqua added 16 points and seven rebounds as well.

As a team, MSU shot 47.7% from the field, but struggled from the charity as it connected on 23-of-42 (.548) free throw attempts. The Mavericks also hauled in 46 rebounds and passed out 12 assists.

Thomas paced the Wildcat offense with 25 points, while Adam Moon netted 15 points of his own.

The Mavericks continue their homestand Saturday as they host #2 Augustana. The opening tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

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