MARSHALL, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team claimed its eighth win of the season Saturday evening as it bested Southwest Minnesota State 53-46 in Marshall.

With the win, MSU improves to 8-8 on the season, including a 6-4 NSIC record. With the loss, SMSU drops to 5-11, including a 2-8 league record.

The first half proved to be a defensive battle as Minnesota State led 28-23 by the end of the opening stanza. MSU held a 21-15 advantage in rebounds in the first 20 minutes, with sophomore Kelby Kramer hauling in a team-best seven rebounds. The Mavericks also took advantage of their trips to the free throw line as they connected on eight of their nine attempts.

Senior Carter Asche led the Maverick offense in the first half with eight points, which included a rare four-point play. Along with his seven rebounds, Kramer also tallied six points, while freshman Ryland Holt added six points of his own.

For the Mustangs, Kenny Byers led the way in the first half as he notched 12 points and four rebounds. Cliff McCray tallied five points and four steals also.

The Mavericks held the lead for more than 17 minutes in the first half. Despite trailing through the majority of the opening half, the Mustangs managed to stay within 10 points throughout. With the game tied at 20-20 with just over four minutes left in the half, the Mavericks went on an 8-0 run, which included four points from Asche. A layup from junior Jamal Nixon with 15 seconds left gave the Mavericks their largest lead of the half at 28-20, but a three pointer from SMSU's Byers cut the MSU lead to 28-23 as the teams went into the locker room.

The Mavericks would hold their lead throughout the second half, as they led by as many as 10 points. MSU led 44-34 at the midpoint of the second half after a layup from Nixon, but the Mustangs were able to pull within three of the Mavericks at 44-41 with 4:19 to go. The Mustangs would get no closer in the closing minutes as the Mavericks connected on two baskets and five free throws to lock down their 53-46 win. 

Senior Cameron Kirksey finished the game with a team-leading 15 points, to go along with five rebounds. Kramer added nine points and 15 rebounds, while Asche and Holt each tallied eight points. As a team, MSU hauled in 38 rebounds and shot 16-of-20 (.800) from the free throw line.

Byers led the Mustang offense with a game-high 23 points. McCray tallied nine points and five steals as well. SMSU shot just 27.3% (15-of-55) from the field, including a 2-of-12 (.167) showing from long range. 

Minnesota State continues its road swing on Friday as it takes on the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

                                                                    -30-