ST. CLOUD, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team saw nine players reach the scoring column Saturday afternoon as the Mavericks bested St. Cloud State 79-62 at Halenbeck Hall.

With the win, the Mavericks improve to 4-1 on the season. With the loss, the Huskies drop to 3-5.

The first half saw the Mavericks spread the scoring around as a total of eight MSU players netted at least one basket as MSU carried a 34-21 lead into halftime. In comparison, only four SCSU players reached the scoring column in the first half.

With 10:20 to go in first half the Mavericks held an 18-11 advantage. MSU extended its lead to 14 at 25-11 with just under seven minutes to go in the half. The Mavericks would then carry a 34-21 lead into the locker room.

Senior AJ Patty led all scorers in the first half with eight points. Senior Jon Fuqua added six points and five rebounds in the first half, while sophomores Cole Harper and Joey Witthus notched five points as well.  

As a team, MSU shot 45.2% from the field in the first half. The Mavericks also passed out six assists and recorded three steals.

Kurt Hall led SCSU in the first half with seven points and seven rebounds. Jon Averkamp added six points as well. As a team, the Huskies shot just 25.7% from the field. SCSU held a 23-22 advantage in rebounds in the first half, including nine offensive boards.

Minnesota State maintained a double-digit lead through the majority of the second half. The Huskies managed to get within eight of the Mavericks at 61-53 with 5:33 to go, but MSU would end the game on an 18-9 run to secure the 79-62 victory.

The Maverick starters finished the game netting 65 of MSU's 79 points. Fuqua notched a game-high 19 points and nine rebounds, while Harper notched 14 points and a career-high nine rebounds. Witthus notched 12 points in the win, while both junior Charlie Brown and Patty each tallied 10 points as well.

As a team, MSU shot 45.8% from the field, to go along with a 19-of-25 (.760) performance from the line. The Mavericks also hauled in 39 rebounds and passed out 12 assists.

Gage Davis led the Huskies with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Hall notched a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. As a team, SCSU shot 37.3% from the field. It also hauled in 41 rebounds and passed out 13 assists.

Minnesota State opens its NSIC schedule on Friday as it travels to Wayne, Neb., to take on the Wayne State Wildcats. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.
      
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