SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team picked up its eighth road win of the season Sunday evening as it defeated Augustana 79-73.

With the win, MSU improves 14-6 on the season, including a 10-4 NSIC record. With the loss, AU drops to 13-7, including a 9-5 conference record.

The scoring came at a premium early on in the first half as both teams were knotted up at 10-10 halfway through the opening stanza. With just under eight minutes left in the half, the Mavericks built a four point lead, which included a three pointer from senior Karson Arrneholz.

The Mavericks would then go up by as many as 11 points, but Augustana was able to get back within seven points of MSU at 30-23 before heading into the locker room.

Junior Cameron Kirksey led all scorers in the first half with 13 points, while junior Kevin Krieger tallied six points and seven rebounds. As a unit, MSU shot 44.4% from the field in the first half.

Michael Schaefer led the Viking offense in the first half with 10 points, while Trevor Hanson hauled in eight rebounds. AU shot 33.3% from the field in the first half.

Augustana was able to get back within one point of the Mavericks twice in the first five minutes of the second half, but the Mavericks were able to weather the storm as they built a nine point lead at 55-46 with just under 10 minutes to go.

The Mavericks would hold at least a two basket lead up until an Augustana three pointer got the Vikings back within three at 76-73 with 33 seconds left. Arrenholz then went to the line after an Augie foul and put MSU back up by four at 77-73. AU's next shot missed the mark again. Kirksey and Krieger would then both hit a free throw each in the final seconds to lock down the 79-73 win.

Kirksey led the Maverick offense with 24 points, while Krieger tallied 16 points and a team-best nine rebounds. Freshman Tre Baumgardner added 11 points, four rebounds and three assists off the bench, with eight of his 11 points coming in the second half.

As a team, MSU shot 46.6% from the field, including a 7-of-18 (.389) performance from long range. The Mavericks also hauled in 39 rebounds and passed out 12 assists. MSU also tallied 19 points off of 11 Augustana turnovers.

Schaefer led all scorers with 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Matt Cartwright and AJ Plitzuwelt each tallied 12 assists. As a unit, Augustan shot 43.1% from the field, including a 5-of-18 (.278) showing from behind the arc.

Minnesota State returns to Taylor Center on Friday as it plays host to the MSU Moorhead Dragons. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. 

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