SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --- It came down to overtime Friday evening at Sioux Falls Arena as Minnesota State defeated Augustana 94-91.
With the win, the Mavericks improve to 11-3 on the season, including a 7-1 NSIC record. With the loss, the Vikings fall to 9-6, including a 4-5 conference record. MSU's overtime victory marks its second overtime win this season, with the previous coming against Missouri Southern State.
The first half saw the Mavericks head into the first media timeout holding a 17-0 lead, as Augustana went 0-of-9 from the field in the opening minutes. Sophomore Cameron Kirksey paced the Mavericks during the first five minutes with six points.
Augustana managed to get back within 10 points of the Mavericks at 19-9 with under 13 minutes to play in the first half but MSU answered right back with a 5-0 run to go back up by 15 at 24-9. The Mavericks would lead by as many as 24 points in the first half down the stretch as they carried a 50-30 lead into the locker room.
Juniors
Cole Harper and
Carlos Anderson paced the Maverick offense in the first half with 11 points, while Kirksey and senior
Charlie Brown each dropped in nine points. Harper also hauled in a team-leading six rebounds in the first half.
As a unit, MSU shot 18-of-35 (.514) from the field, including an 8-of-13 (.615) performance from downtown. The Mavericks also held a 25-19 advantage in rebounds.
Jordan Spencer led the Augie offense in the first half with 10 points. As a team, Augustana shot 32.4% from the field in the opening stanza, including a 2-of-11 (.182) showing from long range.
Augustana opened the second half on a 14-7 run in the first five minutes to pull within 13 of the Mavericks at 57-44. The Vikings kept chipping away at MSU's lead and they eventually tied the game at 76-76 with 50 seconds remaining. A layup from Brown put the Mavericks back up by two at 78-76, but a basket from Marcus Asmus sent the game into overtime.
Augustana struck first in overtime and eventually went up by three at 82-79 after a layup from John Warren. A three pointer from sophomore
Kevin Krieger knotted up the score at 83-83 with 2:20 to go, and MSU eventually took the lead after a layup from Anderson. The lead would exchange hands two more times but a pair of free throws from Anderson put the Mavericks up for good at 88-87 with 16 seconds left.
MSU finished the final 16 seconds making 6-of-6 free throw attempts, including four from Krieger and two from Brown as the Mavericks locked down the 94-91 win.
Anderson led the Mavericks with a season-high 23 points, while Harper recorded his first career double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Brown added 17 points, including an 8-of-9 showing from the line, while Krieger tallied 14 points and five rebounds.
As a team, MSU shot 41.8% from the field and it cashed in at the line as it hit 28-of-34 (.824) shots. MSU also passed out 16 assists.
Marcus Asmus led the Augie offense with 25 points, while Spencer tallied 23 points and nine assists. As a team, AU shot 45.2% from the field.
Minnesota State continues its road trip this Saturday as it takes on the Wayne State Wildcats. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
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