WINONA, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team won its third straight game Friday evening as it defeated Winona State 83-72.

With the win, the Mavericks improve to 6-2 on the season, including a 3-0 record in NSIC play. With the loss, the Warriors fall to 4-4, including a 1-2 conference record.

The Mavericks controlled the pace throughout the opening stanza as they led by as many as 18 points. MSU put forth a balanced attack as all eight Mavericks who entered the game reached the scoring column. Minnesota State's largest lead of the game came with 3:47 remaining in the half as a layup from sophomore Cameron Kirksey put MSU up 41-23. The Mavericks would eventually take a 42-32 lead into halftime.

Junior Cole Harper and sophomore Kevin Krieger each posted a team-leading eight points, while Kirksey added seven points. Senior Chris Kendrix notched six points and eight rebounds in the first half as well. As a team, Minnesota State shot 60% (18-of-30) from the field in the first half, including a 7-of-13 (.538) performance from long range. The Mavericks also enjoyed an 18-13 advantage in rebounds in the first as well.

Mason Domask and Corey Jeffs led the Warrior offense in the first half with six points each. As a team, Winona State shot 40.6% from the field in the first half.

The second half saw the Mavericks hold their lead throughout the first 14 minutes. Winona State was able to chip away at the MSU lead at the free throw line as the Warriors finished the second half shooting 17-of-19 from the charity stripe.

Winona State took its first lead since the opening minutes at 66-65 after Kevion Taylor sank a three with 5:14 remaining. The Mavericks answered right back and took the lead for good after junior Carlos Anderson converted on a layup to give MSU the lead back at 67-66. Two straight baskets from Kirksey put MSU up by five at 71-66 with 3:09 to go. WSU would get no closer than three points the rest of the way as the Mavericks locked down the 83-72 win.

Anderson finished the game with a season-high 22 points, 18 of which came in the second half. Anderson also went 10-of-10 from the free throw line in the second half as well. Kendrix finished his night with a double-double as he tallied 14 points and 11 rebounds. Kirksey added 15 points, six rebounds and three blocks as well.

As a team, MSU shot 47.6% from the field, including a 9-of-20 (.450) showing from long range. The Mavericks also held a 38-33 advantage in rebounds.

Charlie Koontz led WSU with 17 points, while Jeffs added 10 points and eight rebounds. As a team, Winona State shot 39% from the field, to go along with a 22-of-26 (.846) performance from the line.

Minnesota State concludes its road trip on Saturday as it takes on the Upper Iowa Peacocks. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

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