MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State struggled to find a consistent rhythm in their 75-61 loss to the University of Mary Saturday night at Taylor Center.

The Mavericks fell behind early in the first half, trailing 13-6 after six minutes. The Marauders found several open looks from behind the arc to begin the game and started 3-of-3 from three point range. Senior Jon Fuqua kept the Mavericks close scoring half of Minnesota State's points leading into the first media timeout.

Minnesota State and U-Mary began to trade baskets out of the timeout resulting in end-to-end action. Neither team was able to find a consistent offense while Fuqua and sophomore Joey Witthus continued to chip away at the Marauders lead. With 8:15 left in the half Fuqua hit a three from the top of the key to cut U-Mary's lead to five at 24-19.

The Mavericks gained an extra possession gathering a loose ball on the court which resulted in another three point field goal by Witthus. The Marauders found a rhythm before halftime leading the Mavericks on a 12-2 run in the final minutes. Fuqua broke up the run scoring four and drawing two fouls in the last minute. The Mavericks headed to halftime with a 42-31 deficit.

Minnesota State entered halftime shooting 40.6% from the field and was 3-of-9 from beyond the arc for 33.3%. Fuqua totaled 15 points and 4 rebounds through one half with senior Aarias Austin adding six and Witthus and sophomore Jay Knuth rounding out the scoring for the Mavericks with five each.

At the break the Marauders were perfect shooting from three, scoring 5-of-5. U-Mary also had a slight edge in rebounds, 17-13, and had scored 15 points off of the bench.

In the second half the Mavericks struggled to find consistent scoring. Minnesota State continuously found lanes to the basket but could not convert. At the first media timeout of the half the Mavericks trailed 53-37. With under 12 minutes left on the clock Fuqua found Austin for three, providing the Mavericks with their first points since 17:01 and bringing the score to 53-40. Fuqua would bring the Mavericks to within ten point's moments later driving to the hoop and adding a free throw.

Freshman Cameron Kirksey came off of the bench on the final stretch to provide a much needed spark for the Mavericks. Kirksey hit a pair of threes, breaking the momentum of U-Mary's offense and sending Minnesota State on a 15-9 run, bringing the score to 57-58 and the Mavericks within nine. The Mavericks were unable to finish the comeback and the game finished with a 75-61 win for the Marauders.

Minnesota State finished the game shooting 36.5% from the field. Fuqua led in scoring and rebounds for the Mavericks with 24 and seven.

With the loss the Mavericks drop to 12-6 and are now 7-5 in the NSIC South Division.

Minnesota State next will travel to Sioux Falls, S.D., to take on Sioux Falls on Friday at 8:00 p.m. 

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