MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team claimed its fourth straight win as it bested the University of Mary 69-65 Saturday evening in Taylor Center.

With the win, the Mavericks improve to 7-7 on the season, including a 5-3 NSIC record. The win also marks the 400th career win for Head Coach Matt Margenthaler. With the loss, U-Mary drops to 7-7, including a 2-6 conference record.

U-Mary jumped out to an 8-0 to start the game, but MSU responded with six unanswered points to make it 8-6 in the early going.

The Marauders worked their way to a seven-point lead at 23-16 with 7:24 to play in the half. Senior Cameron Kirksey knocked down a triple to make it 23-19, but U-Mary grew its lead up to nine points at 32-23 with 3:04 to play in the half.

The Mavericks went into the halftime break trailing 37-32.

MSU shot 13-of-35 (37.1%) from the field in the half, including 5-of-16 from beyond the arc. U-Mary shot 15-of-32 (46.9%) from the field, including 5-of-13 from three-point range.

In the second half, MSU clawed its way back to within two points at 46-44 with 14:24 to play, but U-Mary responded with a triple to make it a five-point game. A layup by  freshman Ryland Holt then made it 51-51 before a three-pointer by Holt gave the Mavericks a 54-51 lead.

The Marauders didn't go away however, tying it back up at 54-54 before taking a 59-56 lead with 5:01 to play. A basket from senior Kelby Kramer and a three pointer from senior Kevin Krieger then put the Mavericks back in front 61-59 with 3:26 to go.

The Marauders managed to knot up the score at 63-63 with 56 seconds remaining, but a basket from Kirksey put the Mavericks back up 65-63. MSU would hit four free throws in the closing seconds to lock down the 69-65 win.

Kirksey notched his first double-double of the season as he tallied a game-high 27 points, to go along with 11 rebounds. Krieger added 16 points and eight rebounds also, while Holt tallied 10 points and seven rebounds.

As a team, MSU controlled the glass as it enjoyed a 50-35 advantage in rebounds, including 19 offensive rebounds.

Jaylan White led the Marauder offense with 21 points, while Matthew Kreklow tallied 14 points and five rebounds.

Minnesota State begins a four-game road trip this Friday as it takes on the Sioux Falls Cougars. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

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