MANKATO, Minn. --- It proved to be a close contest throughout most of the game Sunday afternoon but it was #19 Sioux Falls that was able to split the weekend series as it defeated Minnesota State 74-62

With the loss, MSU drops to 7-3, including a 6-2 NSIC record. With the win, USF improves to 5-1, including a 3-1 conference record. 

The first half proved to be a close affair as neither team led by more than six points through the opening 20 minutes. With 12:39 to go in the half, USF jumped out to its biggest lead of the opening stanza at 13-7. 

USF held a slim lead until a pair of free throws from sophomore Quincy Anderson knotted up the score at 27-27 with 4:07 to go in the half. The Cougars eventually carried a 35-34 lead into the locker room.

Anderson led all scorers in the first half with 19 points as he shot 6-of-8 from the field. Junior Devonte Thedford added six points of his own. As a team, MSU shot 50.0% from the field in the first half.

Teathloach Pal led the Cougars in the first half with 13 points and eight rebounds, while Jack Thompson added 10 points. As a team, USF shot 48.4% from the field in the first half.

Three minutes into the second half the Cougars held a four-point lead at 44-40, but the Mavericks would then begin a 10-1 run to go up by five at 50-45 with 11:47 to go. Sophomore Ryland Holt and freshman Brady Williams each notched four points during that stretch.

The Mavericks still held a five point lead at 55-50 with 9:44 to go, but the Cougars would go on a 9-3 run to take the lead for good at 59-58 with 5:34 remaining. USF would outscore the Mavericks 15-4 during the final minutes to lock down the 74-62 win.

Anderson finished with a team-leading 25 points, while Thedford posted 14 points and four assists. As a team, MSU shot 41.1% from the field. The Mavericks also passed out 10 assists and forced 12 USF turnovers.

Jack Thompson led all scorers with 27 points, while Pal notched a double-double with 25 points and 14 rebounds. As a team, the Cougars shot 48.3% from the field. USF also enjoyed a 42-24 advantage in rebounds.

Minnesota State concludes its regular season home schedule next weekend as it hosts a Friday-Saturday series against the Winona State Warriors. Tip-offs are scheduled for 6:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m., respectively.



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