CROOKSTON, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team fell to Minnesota Crookston 77-72 Friday evening on the road.

With the loss, MSU drops to 15-8 on the season, including an 11-6 NSIC record. With the win, UMC improves to 14-12, including a 7-10 conference record. Minnesota State's loss to the Golden Eagles ends its 24-game winning streak vs. UMC.

The first half saw the Golden Eagles lead throughout the first 20 minutes. UMC managed to build an 11-point lead at 16-5 just six minutes into the half, but MSU would go on an 11-2 run during the next three minutes to pull back within two of the Golden Eagles at 18-16. Junior Juwan McCloud accounted for six on MSU's 11 points during that run.

MSU eventually tied the game at 32-32 after a layup from junior Cameron Kirksey with 1:39 to go in the half, but UMC's Chase Knickerbocker connected on a three pointer as time expired to give the Golden Eagles a 35-32 lead heading into the locker room.

McCloud led the Maverick offense in the first half with 11 points and four steals, while Kirksey tallied nine points and three rebounds. As a team, MSU shot 13-of-28 (.464) from the field in the opening stanza.

Harrison Cleary led all scorers in the first half with 16 points, while Malcolm Cohen tallied 11 points and six rebounds. As a team, the Golden Eagles shot 42.9% from the field in the first half, including a 7-of-14 (.500) performance from long range.

The first two minutes of the second half saw the Mavericks jump out to their first lead of the game as they scored six straight points to take a 38-35 lead. The Golden Eagles then responded with a 10-0 run of their own to go up 45-38. 

The Mavericks managed to get back within two points of the Golden Eagles at 65-63 with 3:24 to go but they would get no closer as Minnesota Crookston held on for the 77-72 win.

McCloud led the Mavericks with 18 points, while junior Kevin Krieger tallied 17 points and eight rebounds. Senior Carlos Anderson added nine points and seven rebounds as well.

As a team, MSU shot 44.3% from the field. The Mavericks tallied 38 points in the paint and 14 fast break points.

Cleary led all scorers with 27 points, while Cohen notched a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. As a team, UMC shot 40.7% from the field, including a 13-of-27 (.481) showing from long range. The Golden Eagles also connected on 16-of-22 (.727) attempts from the line. 

Minnesota State finishes its road trip this Saturday as it takes on Bemidji State. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

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