MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State opened the 2020 portion of its schedule on a fine note Friday evening at Taylor Center as the Mavericks bested Minot State 87-79.

With the win, Minnesota State improves to 6-7 on the season, including a 4-3 NSIC record. With the loss, Minot State drops to 6-7, including a 0-7 conference record.

The first half saw the Mavericks lead throughout as they jumped out to an early 9-2 lead less than four minutes into the game. MSU continued to control the pace as the Mavericks held a 19-10 lead at the midpoint of the opening stanza.

Minnesota State would lead by nine or more points throughout the rest of the first half as they carried a 43-31 lead into the locker room.

A total of six Mavericks reached the scoring column in the first half, including senior Cameron Kirksey who led the Mavericks with 12 points and six rebounds. Freshman Ryland Holt netted 11 points also, while sophomore Kelby Kramer added six points, five rebounds and three blocks.

As a team, MSU shot 51.9% (14-of-27) from the field in the first half. The Mavericks also cashed in on their trips to the line as they connected on 12-of-15 (.800) attempts.

Kyle Beisch led all scorers in the first half with 13 points.

The opening minutes of the second half saw the Beavers gnaw away at the Maverick lead as they pulled within one of MSU at 55-54 with 12:33 to go. MSU responded with a pair of baskets from Holt and Kirksey to go back up by six before a three pointer from Sam Orlich brought the Beavers back within a score at 60-57.
 
Minot State would not get any closer during the final 10 minutes of the game as the Mavericks went up by as many as 10 points in the closing minutes as they claimed the 87-79 win.

Kirksey and senior Kevin Krieger led the Maverick offense with 23 points each. Krieger notched 16 of his 23 points in the second half, while Kirksey netted 11 points in the second stanza. Holt finished with 17 points also.

As a unit, MSU shot 52.9% from the field against the Beavers, including a 9-of-20 (.450) performance from long range. MSU also enjoyed a 34-29 advantage in rebounds.

Beisch led the Minot State offense with 30 points. As a team, the Beavers shot 26-of-58 (.448) from the field, to go along with a 21-of-25 (.840) showing from the line.

The Mavericks will wrap up their homestand this Saturday as they take on the University of Mary Marauders. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., at Taylor Center.


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