MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team completed a two-game sweep of the #14 Augustana Vikings with a 79-70 win Saturday afternoon at Taylor Center.

With the win the Mavericks move to 3-1 (2-0 NSIC) on the season while the Vikings drop to 2-2 (0-2 NSIC).

In the opening minutes of the game both teams struggled to find the bottom of the net, but the Vikings managed to earn an early 15-8 lead with 8:42 remaining in the half. The Mavericks received a huge jolt from freshman Brady Williams who drained back-to-back three pointers to stoke a 19-6 run which allowed Minnesota State to take a 32-23 lead with just under a minute to play in the half. 

The final minute did prove to be frantic however as Augustana capitalized on a free throw opportunity followed but a layup off an offensive board and a last second three pointer which cut the Maverick lead to 32-29 at the half.

Sophomore Malik Willingham led all scorers in the half with 13 points as he consistently hit shots throughout the frame while Williams added nine points. Junior Devonte Thedford dished out six assists, two of which led to open three-pointers from Williams.

The second half began with the teams trading baskets with a frantic pace of play and with 12 minutes to go in the game, the teams were tied 44-44. Williams broke the tie with a layup followed by a three-pointer and the Mavericks never looked back. Minnesota State pushed its lead to as many as 11 points down the stretch and the Vikings were forced to put the Mavericks at the line where they converted 10 straight free throws to end the game with the 79-70 win. 

Willingham finished the game with a career-high 20 points to lead the Mavericks while Williams and Thedford finished with 17 and 16 points, respectively. Junior Kelby Kramer led the way on the boards with 15 while adding four blocks. 

As a team, Minnesota State shot 52% from the field including 42.9% from beyond the arc while also converting on 18-of-22 (.818) free throws in the game. 

Adam Dykman led all scorers with 24 points. Bennett Otto and Tyler Riemersma each netted 14 points as well. As a unit, AU shot 31% from the field, including a 7-of-25 (.280) showing from three point land. 

The Mavericks will take to the road for the first time this season with a pair of games against Wayne State on Friday and Saturday with tip-offs scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., respectively.  


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