SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --- It came down to the closing seconds Friday evening, but Minnesota State fell to Augustana 73-66 at the Sanford Pentagon.

With the loss, the Mavericks drop to 13-12, including an 11-8 NSIC record. With the win, the Vikings improve to 15-10, including a 10-9 NSIC record.

MSU wasted no time in jumping out in front as freshmen Corvon Seales and Ryland Holt each hit a three pointer to give MSU a 6-0 lead. The Mavericks continued to build upon their early lead as senior Cameron Kirksey put the Mavericks up by 14 with a layup at 23-9 with 12:26 to go in the first half.

Augustana was able to respond with a 20-5 run over the next seven minutes to take its first lead of the game at 29-28. MSU would reclaim the lead in the first half, but both teams would find themselves tied 36-36 as they went into the locker room.

The Mavericks managed to build a six point lead at 44-38 early on in the second half, but Augustana was able to reclaim the lead at 51-50 with 10:08 to go. Augie would eventually build its largest lead of the game at 59-50 with 8:25 remaining.

Minnesota State responded with a 9-0 run of its own, including a three pointer from Kirksey and four free throws from sophomore Kelby Kramer, to knot up the score at 59-59. A layup from Seales with 1:46 remaining brought the Mavericks back to within one of the Vikings at 66-65, but AU was able to outscore the Mavericks 7-1 in the final minute to secure the 73-66 win. 

Kramer finished the game notching his sixth double-double of the season with 15 points and 17 rebounds, to go along with five blocks. Kirksey netted 17 points, while Seales added 15 points of his own also.

As a team, MSU shot 34.8% from the field, including an 8-of-20 (.400) showing from behind the three point line. 

Isaac Fink led all scorers with 22 points, while Matt Todd notched 15 points. Tyler Riemersma tallied seven points and 12 rebounds as well.

As a unit, Augustana shot 36.1% from the field, including a 9-of-18 (.500) showing from three point range. The Vikings also cashed in on 20-of-25 (.800) trips to the line.

Minnesota State concludes its regular season road scheduled on Saturday as it takes on the Wayne State Wildcats. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

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