MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team fell short in overtime against Missouri Southern State, 100-98, Saturday afternoon at Taylor Center.  The game wrapped up the MIAA/NSIC Challenge.

In the opening minutes of the game, both teams traded short runs going into the first media timeout, with the Lions holding the early 14-10 edge.  Coming off the bench, Tre Baumgardner drilled a pair of threes and a mid-range jumper for eight quick points to narrow the Lions lead to 21-20. 

Minnesota State continued to take advantage of the three-point shot taking their first lead of the game on a three from Kevin Krieger, 28-25.  In the final possession of the half the Mavericks clamped down forcing the Lions to put up a poor shot as time expired and took a 43-37 lead into halftime. 

In the first half, Minnesota State shot 48.6% from the field compared to 45.5% from the Lions, and shot 46.2% from the three-point line compared to 25%.  The Mavericks also out rebounded the Lions 24-18 in the half. 

The second half proved to be incredibly physical with a combined eleven fouls in the first five minutes, despite having seven of those fouls, the Mavericks held their lead 57-52.  Missouri Southern fought back though, taking a 65-64 lead with 9:51 to go in the second half. 

With both teams in foul trouble and in the bonus, the Lions found success in getting to the line and maintained their lead at 83-82 with 2:24 remaining.  Coming off an offensive rebound, Carlos Anderson attacked the basket and fought through contact to bank home a shop tying the game at 88 with 24.8 remaining.  The Lions weren't able to get a good look and the Mavericks pushed the ball up the court where Anderson attempted a three at the buzzer that clanged off the iron, sending the game to overtime.

In the opening moments of overtime, Jamal Nixon forced Cam Martin to foul, his fifth of the game, taking the big man out of the game with 49 points and 10 rebounds.  Nixon nailed both of his free throws and Anderson drilled a midrange shot to give the Mavericks a 92-88 lead.  A three-point shot from Elyjah Clark of the Lions gave them their first lead of overtime, 97-94 with 1:18 left.  After a pair of Minnesota State free throws, the Lions split a pair at the line and Anderson drilled a floater through contact to tie the game with 13.2 to go in overtime.  Missouri Southern State drove the lane with time winding down and made an 8-footer to take the lead and Minnesota State, with no timeouts remaining, tossed the ball up the court where a last-ditch heave from Juwan McCloud came up short.

Anderson led the Mavericks in scoring with 23 points and added three rebounds, while Krieger and Baumgardner each had 17.  Minnesota State out shot the Lions from the floor 49.2% to 47.8% and out rebounded them 41-38.  Missouri Southern made 27-32 free throw attempts compared to the Mavericks 24-38. 

Next weekend the Mavericks will travel to St. Cloud, Minn., to face off against the Huskies Saturday, Nov 17, at 4:00 p.m.