MANKATO, Minn. --- Both teams shot well Saturday evening at Taylor Center, but Winona State was able to rally in the second half to spoil Minnesota State's regular season home finale by the score of 90-78.

With the loss, MSU drops to 20-6, including a 16-4 NSIC record. With the win, WSU improves to 18-8, including a 13-7 conference record.

The Mavericks led through the majority of the first half as jumped out in front by as many as 11 during the opening stanza. A three pointer from senior Charlie Brown put the Mavericks up 18-15 with 10:31 to go and Minnesota State would hold the lead through the rest of the half.

Three pointers from senior Chris Kendrix and sophomore Kevin Krieger four minutes later gave the Mavericks an 11-point lead at 30-19, but Winona State was able to chip away at MSU's lead as it outscored the Mavericks 19-11 in the final 6:45 to bring the first half score to 41-38.

Brown led all scorers in the first half with 16 points, while Kendrix added eight points and two blocks. As a team MSU shot 18-of-33 (.545) from the field in the first half. The Mavericks also passed out nine assists and forced six turnovers.

Kevion Taylor led the WSU offense in the first half with eight points, while Corey Jeffs added seven points and six rebounds. As a unit, WSU held a 19-14 advantage in the rebounds in the first half, as it shot 47.1% from the field.

The Warriors opened up the second half with a 16-11 run to go up 54-52 with 14:51 to play in the game. It proved to be a lead the WSU would not relinquish as the Warriors shot 62.5% (20-of-32) in the second stanza.

MSU trailed by nine at 79-70 with 4:28 remaining in the game, but the Mavericks were unable to overtake the Warriors as WSU closed out the game with a 90-78 win.

Both Brown and Krieger finished with a team-leading 21 points, while sophomore Cole Harper notched 16 points. Kendrix added nine points, six rebounds and four assists as well. As a team, MSU shot 56.7% from the field, including a 9-of-20 (.450) showing from downtown.

Tommy Gathje led Winona State with 24 points and seven rebounds, while Taylor posted 18 points and eight rebounds. As a team, WSU shot 36-of-66 (.545) from the field, including a 13-of-27 (.481) performance from long range. Winona State also held a 35-23 advantage in rebounds.

Minnesota State begins its final road trip of the regular season on Friday as it takes on the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. 

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