MANKATO, Minn. --- The lead changed hands 14 times between Minnesota State and Sioux Falls Friday evening in Taylor Center, but it was the Mavericks that were able to rally late in the second half to claim an 80-70 victory.

With the win, the Mavericks improve to 19-8 on the season, including a 14-7 NSIC record. With the loss, the Cougars fall to 16-11, including an 11-10 conference record.

The first half saw four lead changes but it was the MSU that held the lead for nearly 15 of the game's first 20 minutes. The Mavericks built their largest lead of the half at the 13:34 mark of the opening session as they led 15-4.

USF was able to climb its way back into the game and eventually took the lead at 24-23 with 5:42 to go in the half. The lead would change hands three more times in the half as the Mavericks carried a 35-31 lead into the locker room.

Freshman Joey Witthus led the Mavericks with 13 points in the first half. Senior Jalen Pendleton and junior Jon Fuqua notched seven points each, with Fuqua bringing down six rebounds as well.

As a team, MSU shot 6-of-10 from behind the arc in the first half. It also brought down 22 rebounds and passed out seven assists.

Mack Johnson led the Cougar offense in the first half with 15 points. As a team, USF shot 40.6% from the field in the first half.

The first 12 minutes of the second half saw neither team lead by more than three points as the lead changed hands nine times. The Cougars managed to build a four-point lead at 60-56 with 7:06 to go in the game, but the Mavericks were able to outscore USF 24-10 in the final seven minutes to secure the 80-70 win.

During the final seven minutes Fuqua recorded a total of 10 points, while senior Snoop Viser added seven points. As a team, the Mavericks also connected on 10-of-11 chances from the free throw line down the stretch.

Fuqua finished his night with his seventh double-double of the season as he tallied 24 points and 11 rebounds. Witthus added 22 points, buoyed by a 4-of-5 showing from long range, while Pendleton added 12 points, six assists and five rebounds. Sophomore Alex Herink added 10 points as well.

As a team, MSU shot 43.1% from the field, including a 9-of-16 (.563) showing from behind the arc. The Mavericks also outrebounded the Cougars 42-30, to go with a 21-of-25 (.840) performance from the foul line.

Mack Johnson led all scores with 35 points, while Jordan Stotts added 11 points and five rebounds off the bench for USF.

The Mavericks wrap up their regular season schedule on Saturday as they host Southwest Minnesota State. The opening tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.


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