MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State (4-2, 1-0 NSIC) downed Wayne State (4-3, 1-1 NSIC) 86-58 Friday evening at Taylor Center. 

Senior Charlie Brown finished with a season-high 25 points as he shot 10-of-17 from the field, including a 3-of-3 showing from long range. Sophomore Kevin Krieger added 14 points and eight rebounds, while sophomore Cameron Kirksey notched 13 points and eight rebounds as well. 

As a team, Minnesota State shot 52.5% form the field, including a scorching 12-of-18 (.667) performance from three point land. The Mavericks also held a 40-34 edge in rebounds. They also passed out 12 assists.

Wayne State was paced by Tony Bonner and Jordan Cornelius, who each registered nine points. As a team, Wildcats shot 39.7% from the field, including a 1-of-12 (.083) from long range.

Minnesota State and the Wildcats were even at the first timeout of the first half with the score level at 8-8. Kirksey started the scoring for the Mavericks, sealing his defender in the post and finishing in the lane. The Mavericks would begin to separate themselves at the 11:23 mark of the first half. Three consecutive buckets from long range gave Minnesota State a 21-16 advantage with under 10 to play. 

The scoring duo of Brown and Kirksey continued to trouble the Wildcats before the break. The Mavericks extended their lead to 35-24 with 4:54 on the clock, after Brown converted a pair of free throws. Minnesota State would eventually take a 43-28 advantage to half.

Brown led all Maverick scorers at the break with 19 points and added two assists and a steal. Kirksey contributed nine points and six rebounds while Krieger registered five points and a block in the first half. Minnesota State shot 56.7% from the field in the first half and were 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. The Mavericks also outrebounded Wayne State 18-15 in the first 20 minutes of play. 

Minnesota State extended its lead to 18 at the first timeout of the second half with 14:17 left on the clock in the half making the score 53-35. The Mavericks put together an 8-0 run early in the half. Both junior Cole Harper and Krieger connected from long range during the streak. 

With under five minutes to play in the contest, Minnesota State held a controlling 71-47 lead. The Mavericks continued to dial it in from long range scoring consecutive three pointers from freshman Frankie Mack and senior Chris Kendrix to make the score 79-48. Minnesota State would go on to win the contest 86-58. 

Minnesota State continues its season on Saturday as it hosts the Augustan Vikings at Taylor Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
  
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