BEMIDJI, Minn. --- A 50-point performance in the second half proved to be decisive Saturday evening as the Minnesota State men's basketball team defeated Bemdji State 86-73 on the road.

With the win, the Mavericks improve to 15-7, including a 10-6 NSIC record. With the loss, the Beavers fall to 8-13, including a 6-10 conference record. 

Bemidji State held the lead throughout the entire first half as it led by as many as 18 points. With just under 10 minutes to play in the half BSU held an 11-point lead at 26-15. BSU eventually built an 18-point lead at 43-25 with under four minutes to go but the Mavericks were able to get back within 11 points at 47-36 before heading into the locker room.

Freshman Cameron Kirksey paced the Maverick offense in the first half with seven points, while sophomore Joey Witthus added six points and five rebounds. As a team, MSU shot 11-of-27 (.407) from the field in the first half, to go along with a 9-of-11 (.818) showing from the free throw line.

Christian Pekarek, Sharif Black and Jai'Vionne Green each tallied nine points in the opening stanza. As a unit, Bemidji State shot 57.1% from the field in the first half, to go along with a 12-of-15 (.800) performance from the line.

The Mavericks wasted no time in the second half as they outscored the Beavers 12-1 in the opening five minutes to knot up the score at 48-48. One minute later, Kirksey gave the Mavericks their first lead of the game at 51-50  after connecting from downtown.

Bemidji State eventually rebuilt an eight point lead at 68-60 with 9:06 to go in the game. It would be all Mavericks after that as they finished the game outscoring the Beavers 26-5, en route to claiming the 86-73 win.

A total of four Mavericks reach double-digits in the scoring column, including Witthus who notched a game-high 19 points and eight rebounds. Junior Charlie Brown added 18 points off the bench, 13 of which came in the second half. Senior Aarias Austin tallied 17 points and a game-high five assists, while Kirksey posted a season-high 14 points and seven rebounds.

As a team, MSU shot 50.8% from the field, including a 14-of-25 (.560) performance from long range. Minnesota State's 14 three pointers are the most in a game this season. The Mavericks also passed out 19 assists and forced nine BSU turnovers.

Green led the Beaver offense with 18 points, while Black added 17 points and four assists. As a unit, Bemidji State shot 44.4% from the field, to go along with a 19-of-26 (.760) showing from the free throw line. 

Minnesota State returns to Taylor Center on Friday as it hosts Minnesota Duluth. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.

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