SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --- It came down to the closing seconds in regulation once against Monday afternoon, but its was #11 Northern State that got the last shot to drop as it defeated Minnesota State 79-78.

With the loss, MSU drops to  22-9 while NSU improves to 30-3. The Mavericks will learn their NCAA Tournament fate on Sunday during the NCAA Selection Show.

The first half saw each team hold the lead for a little more than eight minutes as neither squad led by more than six points. The Mavericks controlled the pace early on in the half, but foul trouble provided an opportunity for the Wolves to take the lead for the final eight minutes as they carried a 41-36 lead into the locker room.

Seven Mavericks reached the scoring column in the first half, including sophomore Kevin Krieger and senior Chris Kendrix who each tallied eight points. Junior Carlos Anderson and sophomore Cameron Kirksey each tallied six points in the opening stanza as well. As a team, MSU shot 41.9% from the field. The Mavericks also connected on 4-of-11 (.363) attempts from long range.

Ian Smith and Carter Evans paced the NSU offense in the first half with 12 points each. As a team, NSU shot 45.2% from the field in the first half, to go along with  a 13-of-16 (.813) performance from the line. The Wolves also enjoyed a 24-13 advantage in rebounds.

The first five minutes of the second half saw the Wolves extend their lead to 10 at 57-47 with 14:46 to go. NSU's 16-11 run to open the half included a pair of three pointers from Darin Peterka. Undaunted, the Mavericks rallied during the next five minutes as they closed the gap to 60-59 with 9:13 remaining. A total of five Mavericks got at least one basket during MSU's 12-3 run, including Krieger who had a pair of baskets.

The back and forth action would continue for the rest of the game. A layup from Krieger knotted up the score at 74-74 with 1:38 remaining, but NSU was able to go back up by three on its next possession after a three pointer from DJ Pollard. MSU followed with a pair of free throws from Krieger to get back within one at 77-76 with 0:52 seconds left.

After NSU's Logan Doyle missed at the free throw line, senior Charlie Brown was able to get to the basket to put the Mavericks up 78-77 with 14 seconds left. After Northern State's final timeout, Smith was able to answer right back with a layup with five seconds left to put the Wolves up 79-78. Krieger's half court shot missed the mark as Northern State held on to the win.

Krieger led the Maverick offense with 22 points and six rebounds, while Brown added 18 points and five helpers. Kendrix netted 11 points as well. As a team, Minnesota State shot 47.6% from the field and 12-of-16 (.750) from the free throw line. 

Smith led Northern State with 16 points, seven assists and six rebounds, while Evans added 15 points. As a team, NSU shot 45.3% from the field and held a 41-30 advantage in rebounds.
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