ROHNERT PARK, Calif. --- The Minnesota State saw several players make contributions Friday evening as the Mavericks defeated the Dominican Penguins 83-72.

With the win, MSU improves to 2-1 on the season, while Dominican falls to 0-4.

The first half saw the Mavericks control the pace as they led for nearly 18 of the 20 minutes in the opening stanza. MSU's largest lead of the first half came with 7:50 remaining as a layup from sophomore Kevin Krieger put the Mavericks up 28-10. The Mavericks maintained their double-digit lead through the rest of the first half as they carried a 42-25 lead into the locker room.

Eight Mavericks reached the scoring column in the first half, including senior Isaac Kreuer who dropped in a team-leading eight points. Senior Charlie Brown and Krieger each added eight points of their own in the first half, while senior Chris Kendrix notched five points and a team-best five rebounds.

As a team, Minnesota State shot 55.2% from the field in the first half as it connected on 16-of-29 attempts from the field. The Mavericks also boasted a perfect 8-of-8 showing from the free throw line.

Jeremiah Gray led the Penguin offense in the first half with 10 points, while Christian Futch hauled in seven rebounds. As a team, DUC shot just 35.7% from the field in the first half, including a 3-of-12 showing from long range. 

The Mavericks maintained their double-digit lead through the first eight minutes of the second half but the Penguins managed to get back within four points on two occasions down the stretch. A three pointer from Gray with 6:42 left in the game brought the Penguins within four of the Mavericks at 62-58.

The Mavericks then responded with an 11-0 run, which included six points from junior Carlos Anderson, during the next 2:24 to increase its lead to 73-58. Dominican would not get any closer than 10 points the rest of the way as the Mavericks locked down the 83-72 win.

Brown led the Maverick offense with 23 points, while Kendrix finished with 15 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Anderson and Kreuer both added 12 points off the bench as well. 

As a team, MSU shot 53.7% from the field, to go along with a 21-of-22 (.955) showing from the free throw line. MSU also hauled in 31 rebounds and forced 12 turnovers.

Gray led all scorers with 26 points, while Futch posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Dominican shot 42.9% from the field and 10-of-10 from the line.

The Mavericks wrap up their west coast trip on Saturday as they take on Fresno Pacific. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (CST).

-30-