MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State won a hard fought victory over Minnesota Duluth Friday evening in Taylor Center as it defeated the Bulldogs 56-51. 

With the win, the Mavericks improve to 16-7, including an 11-6 NSIC record. With the loss, the Bulldogs fall to 4-19, including a 3-14 conference record. 

Minnesota State jumped out to an early 10-0 lead to start the first half, highlighted by a baseline slam by senior Jon Fuqua. The Bulldogs came back as freshman Luke Harris scored seven straight points of his own, bringing Minnesota Duluth back to 10-7 with 11:12 left in the half.  Despite the quick start, both teams gradually cooled off as the half progressed. Charles Benson hit a turn-around jumper with seconds remaining to give Minnesota Duluth a 25-22 lead at halftime.
 
Sophomore Jay Knuth and freshman Cameron Kirksey led the Mavericks with six points each in the first half, and a combined seven rebounds. Minnesota State shot 33.3% (9-27) from the field and 11.1% (1-9) from three in the first half. 

Minnesota Duluth finished the half shooting 33.3% (9-27) from the field and 45.5% (5-11) from behind the arc. 

Both teams exchanged blows to start the second half ending up in a tie at 31-31 with 14:25 remaining. After a monster block by Fuqua, senior Trey Sampson hit a corner three to extend the Mavericks lead to 38-33 with 10:45 left in the half. 

Later, Jake Wilson hit a three from the wing, and pulled the Bulldogs even with the Mavericks at 45, but on the next possession junior Charlie Brown countered with a three of his own, putting the Mavericks up 48-45 with 5:05 remaining. After a failed 1-and-1 attempt by the Bulldogs, sophomore Joey Witthus sunk a corner three to put the Mavericks up 43-47 with 2:19 left. 

With under a minute left, Brown drove the lane and drew a foul, and made one of two free throws, putting the Mavericks up 54-51 with 33.2 seconds left in the game. Minnesota Duluth's next possession resulted in a steal by Witthus, and Sampson sunk both free throws to seal the Maverick victory at 56-51.

As a team Minnesota State shot 42.5% (22-53) from the field, and also grabbed 35 rebounds. Minnesota Duluth shot 35.5% (18-51) from the field, 33.3% (7-21) from three, and had 31 rebounds. Witthus had a game-high 16 points in the Mavericks win, while Fuqua hauled in 12 rebounds. 

The Mavericks will be back in action against the Huskies of St. Cloud State on Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.


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