MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team defeated the Upper Iowa Peacocks in a thrilling matchup at Taylor Center Friday evening by the score of 99-92.
The Mavericks (20-5, 16-3 NSIC) had two players earn double-doubles during the game including sophomore
Kevin Krieger with the third of the season and senior
Chris Kendrix with his fifth of the season.
Kendrix got the scoring started early on a put back off of a missed jump shot and both teams would attempt to push the pace early which led to Upper Iowa (14-14, 7-12 NSIC) holding a 9-8 lead with 13:23 remaining in the first half. Kendrix continued to be a force inside as both teams pushed on offense putting back two more shots as the Mavericks led 15-14 with 9:40 to go in the half.
Coming out of the timeout, the Peacocks found a shooting groove and went on a 14-6 run to take a 28-22 advantage. Sophomore
Cameron Kirksey responded with a three point shot from the right corner and a defensive stop gave Kendrix an open look from three to tie the game at 28 with 5:02 left in the half. Upper Iowa again found a rhythm out of the timeout and rushed out to a 39-30 lead with 1:10 remaining in the half thanks to good ball movement and finding open shots on the perimeter. In the last minute however, Krieger drilled a three point shot and senior
Charlie Brown hit back-to-back free throws to cut the Peacock lead to 39-35 at the half.
In the first half Minnesota State shot 34.2% from the field compared to 45.5% for Upper Iowa and outrebounded the Peacocks 23-22.
Kendrix scored nine points to go with seven rebounds and four assists in the first half and Krieger added nine points and eight rebounds.
Out of halftime, the Mavericks ran a screen to the top of the key for Krieger who drained a long two point shot before junior
Cole Harper made a layup to tie the game at 39 in the opening minute. The Peacocks then pushed out to a 43-42 lead before Kirksey found a driving Kendrix for a thunderous two-handed jam to give the Mavericks the lead once more. Both teams traded baskets and at the 15:00 remaining mark, the game was tied at 50. There was no shortage of offense as Minnesota State pulled out to a 69-65 lead with 8:53 to go in the game, punctuated by a crossover layup in the lane from Kendrix.
The Peacocks continued to find success from the three point line when they hit their fifth in six tries in the second half to cut the Maverick lead to 77-74 with 5:22 remaining. Coming out of the timeout Minnesota State pushed its lead with a 9-4 run that was hammered home as Kirksey was fouled on a made layup. Krieger drilled a deep three that was answered by Kam Rowan of Upper Iowa before the Peacocks took a timeout with 1:54 to go and the Mavericks holding onto an 89-81 lead.
Brown made four late free throws on back-to-back possessions to give Minnesota State a 10-point lead with 54 seconds remaining before Upper Iowa made another three point shot and used their final timeout trailing 93-86 with 44.9 remaining. Brown responded making another pair free throws but again the Peacocks responded with a three-point shot before fouling Krieger who made both of his attempts. Upper Iowa hit one more thee and junior
Carlos Anderson made his free throws to give the Mavericks a hard fought 99-92 win.
Krieger finished the game with 26 points and 13 rebounds and Kendrix finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Brown added 26 points as well for Minnesota State, while Kirksey finished his night with 16 points and four helpers.
As a team the Mavericks shot 52.4% from the field compared to 50% for the Peacocks and finished the game with a 42-27 rebounding edge. A key factor down the stretch was the free throw shooting for Minnesota State as it made 25-of-28 (.893) attempts in the game.
Minnesota State wraps its final regular season home game at Taylor Center tomorrow night against Winona State. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. and the members of the senior class will be recognized before the game.
-30-
