MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team put forth a good effort in the second half, but it was not enough to overcome #2 Augustana Saturday evening in Taylor Center as the Vikings bested the Mavericks 101-91.
With the loss, the Mavericks fall to 11-4, with a 6-3 NSIC record. With the win, Augustana improves to 13-1, including a perfect 10-0 record in league action. MSU also saw its 10-game home winning streak come to an end.
The first half saw its share of scoring as the Vikings carried a 67-45 lead into the locker room. AU connected on its first 13 shots as it eventually built a 35-20 lead with 10:11 to go in the half. The Vikings were able to extend their lead to 27 points on a few occasions, before taking a 22-point lead into the locker room.
Seniors
Lucas Brown and
Jalen Pendleton led the Maverick offense in the first half with 12 points each, with Pendleton dishing out five helpers.
As a team, MSU shot 50% from the field in the first half, to go with a 6-of-6 showing from the line.
Alex Richter led all scorers in the first half with 24 points, while Daniel Jansen notched 18 points and four rebounds.
As a team, AU shot 75.9% from the field in the first half, to go with a 17-of-19 (.895) performance from the free throw line.
The second half saw the Mavericks chip away at Augie's lead as MSU pulled within 13 of the Vikings at 87-74 with 9:17 to play. MSU was able to get within nine points on two occasions but it could get no closer as the Vikings came away with the 101-91 win.
Brown and junior
Jon Fuqua led the Maverick offense with 20 points apiece, while Pendleton notched a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists. Freshman
Joey Witthus added 16 points, including a 4-of-8 showing from behind the arc, while senior
Snoop Viser added 11 points. Fuqua also finished the game with nine boards, with freshman
Cole Harper following with eight.
As a team, MSU shot 46.7% from the field, to go with a 12-of-15 (.800) performance from the line. The Mavericks also outrebounded the Vikings 40-32.
AU saw its starting five account for 98 of its 101 points on the night. Richter led all scorers with 31 points, while Jansen followed with a double-double including 28 points and 11 rebounds. Casey Schilling notched 18 points and seven rebounds as well.
The Mavericks continue their homestand on Friday as they host the Bemidji State Beavers. The opening tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.
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