MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team controlled the pace Saturday afternoon against the Crown College Storm, en route to a 117-60 win Saturday afternoon in Taylor Center. 

With the nonconference win, the Mavericks improve to 2-2 on the season. The game will count as an exhibition for Crown.

Four Mavericks scored in double figures with freshman forward Ryland Holt leading the way with 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting. Freshman guard Malik Willingham finished with 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting, freshman guard Corvon Seales chipped in with 16 points and senior Cameron Kirksey also added 16 points. 

Sophomore Kelby Kramer hauled in a game-high 11 rebounds, while senior Carter Asche notched seven of his own. Junior Jamal Nixon also notched a game-high seven assists and four steals.

As a team, the Mavericks shot 58.2% and dominated the inside, scoring 62 of their points inside the paint.

MSU held a 49-32 rebounding advantage. The Maverick defense forced 20 turnovers and MSU capitalized with 30 points off turnovers. 

Timothy Wendel and Cole Anderson led the Storm with 11 points each. David Jones added 10 points and five rebounds also.

As a team, Crown College shot 34.3% from the field, including a 5-of-27 (.185) showing from long range.

MSU jumped out to a 20-7 with 14:04 left in the opening half. The Mavericks continued to control the pace heading into the locker rooms with a 62-27 halftime lead. MSU shot 27-of-42 (.643) in the opening half.

The second half was much of the same, as the Mavericks outscored Crown 55-33 on their way to a 117-60 win. MSU shot 19-of-37 (.514) in the second half compared to 13-of-36 (.361) shooting by the Storm. 

The Mavericks will now travel to Denver, Colo., to participate in the Hilton Garden Inn Denver Cherry Creek Classic. MSU will open the tournament with an 8:00 p.m. game on Friday, Nov. 29, against Regis. 
 
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