SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --- It came down to overtime Saturday evening in Sioux Falls, S.D., but it was Minnesota State that was able to come away with the 87-84 win over Sioux Falls.
With the win, the Mavericks improve to 6-2 on the season, including a 3-0 NSIC record. With the loss, USF drops to 7-2, including a 2-1 conference record. The Mavericks have won five of their last six games.
As they had in their previous game against the Mustangs, the Mavericks led through much of the first half against the Cougars. With just over 10 minutes to play in the opening stanza, MSU held a one point lead at 18-17. The Mavericks then went on a 16-7 run, which included 10 points from senior
Carlos Anderson, to go up 34-24 with 3:04 left in the half.
MSU would eventually take a 38-29 lead into the locker room as junior
Juwan McCloud tallied a pair of baskets in the final two minutes.
As a team, MSU shot 51.9% from the field in the first half. The Mavericks also hauled in 17 rebounds and tallied 22 points in the paint.
USF shot 29% from the field in the first half, including a 3-of-9 (.333) performance from three point range.
The Mavericks led through most of the second half but Sioux Falls was able to chip away at MSU's lead and it eventually took the lead at 67-66 with 1:29 to go. A three pointer from
Karson Arrenholz and a pair of free throws from Carlos Anderson and McCloud put the Mavericks back up by five at 73-68 with 18 seconds remaining.
The Cougars would not make it easy for MSU in the final seconds as Trevon Evans notched seven points in the final seconds, including a three pointer with one second left to force overtime.
Tied 75-75 heading into overtime, MSU was able to build a six point lead at 84-78 with four points from McCloud and three from sophomore
Jamal Nixon. USF managed to get back within three points of the Mavericks in the final seconds, but this time Evans' last second three missed the mark as MSU claimed the 87-84 overtime win.
Carlos Anderson posted a career-high of 30 points, as he shot 11-of-18 from the field. He also matched his career-high in rebounds with eight. McCloud finished with 22 points, which including a 10-of-14 performance from the free throw line.
As a team, MSU shot 50.9% from the field, including a 7-of-16 (.438) showing from behind the arc. The Mavericks also tallied 40 points in the paint.
Drew Guebert recorded a double-double for USF as he posted 27 points and 10 rebounds. Trevon Evans added 21 points as well. As a team, the Cougars shot 37.1% from the field, while hauling in 48 rebounds.
Minnesota State returns to Taylor Center to begin a three-game homestand on Friday as it hosts the Winona State Warriors. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
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