WINONA, Minn. --- The second half proved to be the big difference Friday evening at McCown Gymnasium as Minnesota State fell to Winona State 78-62.

With he loss, the Mavericks drop to 3-6 on the season, including a 1-2 NSIC record. With the win, the Warriors improve to 4-6, including a 1-3 NSIC record.

The first half proved to be a close affair as neither team lead by more than seven points through the first 20 minutes. The Mavericks jumped out to their biggest lead of the half at 9-3 within the first five minutes. Four different Mavericks reached the scoring column during that stretch. MSU still held its six-point lead at 18-12 at the halfway point of the opening stanza as freshman Corvon Seales drained a three pointer. The Warriors would then go on an 8-0 run over the next two minutes to go up 20-18 with 7:46 to go in the half.

Winona State managed to go up by seven at 29-22 with 1:49 left in the half, but three pointers from junior Frankie Mack and senior Carter Asche reduced the MSU deficit as WSU carried a 31-28 lead into the locker room.

Senior Cameron Kirksey led the Mavericks in the first half with eight points, while sophomore Kelby Kramer notched four points, five rebounds and four blocks. As a team, MSU shot 40.7% from the field in the first half. The Mavericks also enjoyed a 22-15 advantage in rebounds.

The Mavericks opened the second half on a 7-4 run to take the lead at 35-34 with 17:09 to go. WSU was able to retake the lead and held a one point lead at 42-41 after a layup from freshman Ryland Holt with 13:11 left in the half.

Winona State would then go on an 18-8 run to take a 60-49 lead with 5:43 to go in the game. The Mavericks managed to get back within nine points of the Warriors but they would get no closer as WSU locked down the 78-62 win.

Holt led the Maverick offense with 21 points, while Kirksey tallied 12 points and seven rebounds. Senior Kevin Krieger added 11 points as well. As a team, MSU shot 42.9% form the field, to go along with a 13-of-16 (.813) showing from the free throw line. The Mavericks also hauled in 34 rebounds.

Kevion Taylor and Caleb Wagner led all scorers with 25 points each. As a team, WSU shot 46.9% from the field, including a 12-of-28 (.429) performance from long range. The Warriors also scored 18 points off of 12 Maverick turnovers.

Minnesota State concludes its weekend on the road this Saturday as it takes on the Upper Iowa Peacocks. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.


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