MINOT, N.D. --- Minnesota State kept its winning ways going on the road Saturday evening as it defeated Minot State 73-63 to secure its third straight road win of the season. MSU has now won seven road games this season.
With the win, the Mavericks improve to 17-7, including a 12-6 record in NSIC action. With the loss, the Beavers fall to 11-13, including a 6-12 league record.
The Beavers were able to build an early 9-3 lead in the first half, but the Mavericks responded with 16-2 run, which included a trio of three pointers, to take the lead at 19-11 with 8:18 to go in the half.
The lead would change hands two more time in the final eight minutes of the first half, but its was MSU that would take a 31-30 lead into halftime.
Junior
Jon Fuqua led the Maverick offense in the first half with eight points and six rebounds, while senior
Snoop Viser added six points on a 2-of-4 showing from behind the arc. As a team, MSU shot 42.3% from the field in the first half, to go with a 5-of-7 showing from the line.
Tyler Rudolph led the Beavers in the first half with eight points and three rebounds. As a unit, MISU shot 41.4% from the field, but was just 2-of-9 from long range in the opening session.
The second half saw four lead changes in the first 12 minutes. Minot State was able to take a pair of four-point leads, but the Mavericks eventually reclaimed the lead at 49-47 with 7:54 to go in the game. MSU would outscore the Beavers 24-16 the rest of the way as it would not relinquish the lead, en route to a 73-63 win.
Fuqua finished his night with 13 points and 11 rebounds for his fifth double-double of the season. He has now recorded a double-double in four of MSU's last five outings.
Freshman
Joey Witthus netted a game-high 16 points, which was supported by a 3-of-6 effort from behind the arc. Senior
Jalen Pendleton added 15 points, all of which came in the second half, while senior
TJ Okafor added nine points and seven rebounds of his own.
As a team, MSU shot 40.7% from the field. It also tallied 39 rebounds and nine assists.
Minot State was led by Rudolph, who tallied 14 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double. Michael Pelo added 11 points as well.
As a team, Minot State shot 39.3% from the field, including a 6-of-24 showing from long range.
The Mavericks continue their road trip on Friday as they take on the Winona State Warriors. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.
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