WAYNE, Neb. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team dropped in 42 points in the second half to overcome an 11-point deficit, en route to a 77-72 victory at Wayne State.

With the win, the Mavericks improve to 5-1 on the season, including a 1-0 NSIC record. With the loss, the Wildcats fall to 1-6, including a 0-2 conference record.

The Mavericks held the lead through most of the first half but the Wildcats were the ones that carried a 36-30 lead into the locker room. MSU held a six-point lead at 24-18 with 6:21 to go in the opening stanza, but WSC was able to close out the half with an 18-6 run to take its own six point lead.

Senior Aarias Austin led the Mavericks in the first half with 11 points, while senior Jon Fuqua notched 10 points and three rebounds. As a team, MSU shot 41.4% from the field in the first half, to go along with a 5-of-6 (.833) showing from the free throw line. MSU also held an 18-16 edge in rebounds in the first half.

Kendall Jacks led all scorers in the first half with 14 points. As a team, Wayne State shot 50% from the field in the first half.

The second half saw the Wildcats build an 11-point lead at 43-32 with 17:03 to go. MSU managed to get back within two of WSC at 45-43, only to see the Wildcats jump back in front by nine at 54-45 with 8:01 left in the game.

The Mavericks then responded with a 9-0 run over the next 2:32 to knot up the score at 54-54 with 5:29 to go. Junior Charlie Brown scored seven of MSU's nine points to knot up the score at 54-54. 

MSU then took the lead for good after sophomore Joey Witthus put the Mavericks up 60-58 with 4:12 remaining. MSU finished the game outscoring the Wildcats 17-14 to lock down the 77-72 win.

Brown recorded a game-high 26 points, 24 of which came in the second half. Fuqua added 17 points and six rebounds as he went 6-of-6 from the field, while Austin posted 11 points. Sophomore Cole Harper recorded a team-leading seven rebounds as well.

As a team, Minnesota State shot 45.5% from the field, including a 13-of-26 performance in the second half. The Mavericks also cashed in on the opportunities at the charity stripe as they connected on 21-of-24 (.875) opportunities. 

Jacks led the WSC offense with 20 points. Vance Janssen tallied 17 points, which included a 10-of-10 showing from the line. 

Minnesota State concludes its road trip on Saturday as it takes on the #21 Augustana Vikings. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
      
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