MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State Mavericks men's basketball team defeated the Bemidji State Beavers by a final score of 87-60 on Saturday night at Taylor Center.

The Mavericks are now 13-11 on the season and have a conference record of 11-7 after winning both games at home this weekend. The Beavers are now 10-12 on the season and have a conference record of 7-11 after their weekend on the road.

The Beavers were first on the board after they converted on a three point play. Senior Kevin Krieger responded on the next possession with a layup off the offensive rebound.

By the media timeout, Minnesota State got out on a quick 21-10 lead with 13:29 remaining. Bemidji State climbed back and scored seven straight points before freshman Ryland Holt scored a mid-range jumper to bring the score to 23-17 with 10:15 remaining in the half.

BSU called a timeout after senior Cameron Kirksey's impressive behind the back layup, giving Minnesota State the 37-21 lead with 5:51 remaining in the half. The Beavers ended MSU's 14-0 run after they cashed in on three free throws to bring the score to 41-24.

The Maverick offense and defense in the first half were stout and it's what gave Minnesota State the 43-34 lead at half. 

As a team MSU shot 47.4% from the field and 30.8% from distance. Three Mavericks played a role in giving the team the lead at half, those being Holt, Kirksey and Krieger. Holt added 17 points, Krieger had 12 and Kirksey rounded things out with nine points. Freshman Malik Willingham and sophomore Kelby Kramer were the other two Mavericks that were in the scoring column.

MSU controlled the glass, gaining a 20-15 edge, caused BSU to commit seven turnovers and led most of the game.

Krieger put MSU on the board in the second half with a three-point shot and gave the team a 10-point lead. Bemidji State climbed back and brought the score to 46-40, but Krieger continued to dial it up from distance and made another three-point shot.

MSU went on an 8-0 run after senior Carter Asche made a corner three and brought the score to 54-40 with 16:36 remaining in the second half. Holt's spin move dunk gave Minnesota State the 61-44 lead with 12:02 left in the second half.

Freshman Landon Wolfe gave MSU a 20-point lead after he made a three-point shot with 11:24 remaining in the half. Freshman Corvon Seales gave MSU a 70-45 lead after a two-point jumper with 8:52 remaining. The Mavericks controlled the pace the rest of the way as they locked down the 87-60 win.
 
MSU shot 52.9% and 43.5% percent from three. The Mavericks also held BSU to a 41.7% showing from the field and 15.0% performance from downtown.

Holt scored a career-high in points Saturday night, scoring 25 and topping his previous best scored the previous night vs. Minnesota Crookston. He also added 10 rebounds for a double-double, the third of his career, on top of shooting 11-for-18 from the field. Krieger added 18 points and Kirksey followed with 14 of his own.

The Mavericks will next play the Augustana Vikings on the road Friday night, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Following that will be a game against Wayne State in Neb., with tip-off slated for 5:30 p.m.

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