MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team defeated the University of Mary 87-78 Wednesday night at Taylor Center in the first round of the NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament.

With the win, the Mavericks improve to 20-9 on the season, while the Marauders end their season with a 12-17 record. MSU's 20 wins represent the 12th time in the last 13 seasons that it has won at least 20 games in a season. The Mavericks are also averaging nearly 25 wins a season in their last five as well.

Sophomore Cole Harper got the scoring started for the Mavericks with a three-point basket from the corner off a nice assist by senior Aarias Austin. Austin later rattled home a deep three of his own from the top of the key to boost the Mavericks into the lead, 11-10, with 14:17 left in the first half. 

Later, freshman Cameron Kirksey hit a three from the wing, making him the fourth different Maverick to hit from behind the arc in the first half, which increased the Mavericks' lead to 25-17 with 9:31 left. With just over six minutes left, the Mavericks went on a 7-0 run, capped off by a pull up three from the wing by senior Trey Sampson. Forward Bryan Jefferson attempted to slow the momentum with a put back slam, giving him 14 points for the game, and bringing the Marauders within ten, 27-37, with 3:42 remaining. 

The Mavericks' hot shooting continued for the remainder of the first half, and was highlighted by a buzzer beating jumper by junior Charlie Brown. Minnesota State took a 46-33 lead over University of Mary into the locker room.

Minnesota State shot 51.6% (16-31) from the field, 50.0% (7-14) from three, and 87.5% (7-8) from the charity stripe. Austin led the Mavericks with 15 points and four assists. The Mavericks bench also outscored the Marauders 18-3 in the half. The University of Mary shot 38.2% (13-34) from the field, and 62.5% (5-8) from the line. Jefferson carried much of the load in the first half with 18 points. 

The name of the game for Minnesota State throughout much of the second half was being patient on offense, and looking for the open man. Senior Jon Fuqua tried to send a message with an early one handed slam, but it was quickly countered when Isaac Lindquist hit his second consecutive three to start the half. A few possessions later Austin connected on another deep three, his third of the contest, and the Mavericks held their double digit lead 57-41 with 16:28 in the game. 

Freshman Kevin Krieger ignited the building when he drove baseline and rose up over a defender for a huge one handed slam, sending the Mavericks to a 68-53 lead with 9:41 remaining. Austin continued his hot night from deep, hitting his fourth three of the game. Mavericks would lead 81-65 with 3:57 left in the game. U-Mary came out in a full court trap after a media timeout, but Minnesota State was able to protect the ball and avoid any major turnovers as it claimed an 87-78 victory.

Minnesota State shot 50.8% (31-61) from the field, 40.7% (11-27) from deep, and had 35 bench points. Austin led the way for the Mavericks with 25 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Fuqua finished his night with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Brown and Kirksey chipped in with 13 points and 12 points off the bench, respectively.

The Marauders finished the game shooting 47.7% (31-65) from the floor, 64.7% (11-17) from the line, and grabbed 37 boards. Jefferson finished with a double-double, and a game high 30 points with 10 rebounds. 

The Mavericks continue play in the NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament on Sunday as they take on the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.


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