MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State controlled the pace Friday evening in Taylor Center as the Mavericks opened NSIC action with a 72-67 win over #14 Augustana.

With the win, MSU improves 2-1 on the season, including a 1-0 NSIC record. With the loss, AU drops to 2-1, including a 0-1 conference record.

The Mavericks controlled the early action against the Vikings, capping off a 13-4 game opening run when freshman Brady Williams connected on a jumper from the right wing with 13:41 to go in the half.

Augustana was able to respond with a 17-4 run of its own with tight defense before Minnesota State would capitalize on a couple of deep three-pointers from sophomore Quincy Anderson down the stretch. The Mavericks finished the first half on a 17-2 run and took a 34-23 lead into the locker room.

In the first half Minnesota State shot 45.2% from the field compared to 25% from Augustana while holding the edge in three-pointers made five to one. Anderson led all scorers at the half with 13 points to go along with five rebounds while Williams went 3-of-3 from the field for six points while collecting five boards.

Five minutes into the second half the Mavericks led 42-35 as sophomore Ryland Holt accounted for all eight of MSU's points in the first five minutes. MSU would continue to maintain its lead throughout much of the second half and led by 11 at 61-50 with 6:15 to go after junior Devonte Thedford connected on a pair of free throws.

A three pointer from AU's Jameson Bryan knotted up the score at 65-65 with 54 seconds to go, but a clutch three pointer from Anderson put the Mavericks back up 68-65 with 36 seconds remaining. The Vikings managed to get back within one of the Mavericks, but a pair of free throws from Thedford and sophomore Malik Willingham locked down the 72-67 win for the Mavericks.

Anderson finished with a game-high 16 points, to go along with seven rebounds, while Holt notched his sixth career double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Thedford added 13 points and a game-high four assists also. Williams finished with nine points and seven rebounds as well.

As a unit, MSU shot 40.3% from the field, to go along with a 10-of-11 (.909) showing from the line. The Mavericks also enjoyed a 49-42 advantage in rebounds.

Tyler Riemersma led the Vikings with 14 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double, while Adam Dykman recorded 12 points. As a team, AU shot 35.2% from the field, including a 10-of-27 (.370) showing from behind the arc.

Minnesota State concludes its weekend series against Augustana on Saturday with tip-off set for 2:00 p.m., at Taylor Center.


                                                                    -30-