MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team defeated the Lindenwood Lions Friday night at Taylor Center 88-85.  The win was the first game for the Mavericks in the MIAA/NSIC Challenge.

In the opening minutes of the game, both teams found success at the three point line with a pair of made threes.  The Lions took advantage of a couple of extra opportunities from offensive rebounds to build an early 16-10 edge.  Chris King came off the bench for Lindenwood and made an immediate impact with 3-of-4 shots going in, two of which were threes, and extended the Lions lead to 28-19 with 9:32 remaining in the half.

Coming out of the media timeout, the Mavericks rallied with an 8-3 run.  Minnesota State continued the run and managed to close the gap, trailing 36-34 with 4:53 remaining in the half.  The final possession of the half proved symptomatic of the game as the Lions grabbed three offensive rebounds and were able to score with 2.1 remaining in the half, giving Lindenwood a 49-40 lead.  

Kevin Krieger led the Mavericks in the first half with 13 points and seven rebounds, making 6-of-7 shots.  Minnesota State made 14-of-29 shots in the half compared to Lindenwood's 20-of-40 and was out rebounded 20-16. 

Out of the half the Mavericks went on a 9-2 run with three made three pointer, two from senior Carlos Anderson, forcing a Lindenwood timeout.  Minnesota State continued to hit the three in the second half, gaining a 57-55 advantage with 14:29 to go, its first lead of the game.  A few moments later freshman Tre Baumgardner found junior Cameron Kirksey slashing to the basket where he threw down a monster slam dunk, bringing the Taylor Center crowd to their feet, and giving the Mavericks a 64-59 lead. 

Lindenwood responded out of a timeout and went on a 19-9 run, taking a 78-73 lead with 4:07 remaining in the half.  After Minnesota State tied the game with just over a minute remaining, Kirksey drilled a three pointer from the left corner, putting the Mavericks up 83-80.  With Lindenwood forced to foul late, Minnesota State converted their free throws and earned the win 88-85.

Kirksey finished as the lead scorer for the Mavericks with 18 points, making 6-of-8 shots from the floor and all five of his free throws, and added six rebounds.  Krieger had a double-double in the game with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

As a team the Mavericks shot 47.4% from the floor and 75% from the charity stripe and by the end of the game evened out the rebounding numbers at 38 apiece. 

Saturday afternoon the Mavericks will wrap up the MIAA/NSIC Challenge when they take on Missouri Southern State at 3:00 p.m., in Taylor Center.