MINOT, N.D. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team went into overtime for the third time this season, but it was Minot State that was able to come away with the win as the Beavers defeated the Mavericks 91-83.

With the loss, the Mavericks fall to 12-4 on the season, including an 8-2 NSIC record. With the win, MISU improves to 15-2, including a 9-2 conference record.

The opening stanza proved to be a close affair as neither team led by more than six points through the opening 20 minutes. About halfway through the first half, Minot State went up by six at 21-15 after a layup from Sam Ohlrich. MSU then responded with a 12-2 run, that included six points from senior Charlie Brown, to go up 27-23 with 6:00 to go in the half.

The lead would change hands two more times in the first half as Minnesota State carried a 36-34 lead into halftime. 

Brown led all scorers in the first half with 12 points and three assists, while sophomore Cameron Kirksey added 11 points. As a team, MSU shot 50% from the field, including a 4-of-8 showing from downtown. Senior Chris Kendrix added six points and four rebounds in the first half as well.

Luis Ricci Maia led the MISU offense in the first half with nine points and three assists. Tyler Rudolph posted eight points and five rebounds as well. As a team, MISU shot 53.6% from the field in the first half.

The second half saw a total of five lead changes. With 7:15 left in the second half, Minnesota State built the largest lead of the game as it went up 59-49 after back-to-back jumpers from junior Carlos Anderson. Minot State then responded with a 12-1 run over the next three minutes to go up 61-60 with 4:23 left in the second half.

With 15 seconds left in regulation, Minot State held a five-point lead at 77-72 after a pair of free throws from Ricci Maia. With eight seconds left Brown connected on three straight free throws to bring the Mavericks back within two. Minot State then turned the ball over and a foul sent Kirksey to the line shooting two with three seconds left. Kirksey sank both free throws to send the game into overtime tied at 77.

Minnesota State opened overtime on a 5-0 run behind a basket from junior Cole Harper and a three pointer from Kendrix. Minot State would respond however as it went on an 8-1 run to take the lead for good at 85-83 with 1:18 to go. MISU would add six more points in the final 30 seconds to lock down the 91-83 win.

Five Mavericks netted at least 12 points in the game, including Brown who posted a team-leading 24 points, which included an 11-of-13 performance from the line. Kendrix added 15 points and eight rebounds as well. 

As a team, MSU shot 41.7% from the field, including a 7-of-16 ( .438) showing from long range.

Ricci Maia led the Beaver offense with 25 points and six assists. Rudolph notched a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. As a unit, MISU shot 55.2% from the field. It also sank 22-of-26 (.846) attempts from the line.

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

                                                                    -30-