MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State controlled the pace in its home opener Saturday afternoon at Taylor Center as it bested St. Cloud State in a nonconference game 84-69.

With the win, MSU improves to 3-0 on the season, while SCSU drops to 2-2.

The Mavericks controlled the pace of play early on in the first half as they built an 11-point lead at 16-5 with 13:02 to go after the layup from sophomore Shawn Hopkins. MSU would continue to add to its leads as it carried a 23-9 lead to the midpoint of the half.

Over the next eight minutes the Mavericks would put together a 17-8 run to go up by 23 at 40-17. The Huskies were able to cut into MSU's lead in the closing minutes of the half to bring the score to 42-25 as both teams went into the locker room.

Junior Kelby Kramer led all scorers in the first half with 14 points and six rebounds, while junior Devonte Thedford added eight points. As a team, MSU shot 57.1% from the field in the first half. The Mavericks also enjoyed a 21-12 advantage in rebounds.

Caleb Donaldson led the Huskies in the first half with 12 points, while Anthony Roberts tallied nine. As a team, SCSU shot 39.3% from the field.

Minnesota State wasted no time in extending its lead to 26 at 57-31 less than four minutes into the second half. The Mavericks would maintain at least a 20-point lead until the 10 minute mark of the second half as SCSU cut the lead to 19 at 64-45. The Huskies managed to get back with 15 of the Mavericks but they would get no closer as Minnesota State claimed the 84-69 win.

Kramer notched his 10th career double-double as he tallied 18 points and 12 rebounds, to go along with a career-high four steals. Thedford and sophomore Quincy Anderson each tallied 15 points, with Anderson hauling in seven rebounds, and Thedford passing out five assists. Sophomore Malik Willingham tallied 10 points as well.

As a unit, MSU shot 53.8% from the field. The Mavericks also outrebounded the Huskies 40-28.

Donaldson led all scorers with 29 points, while Roberts posted 17 points. As a team, SCSU shot 44.1% from the field. The Huskies also connected on 12-of-15 (.800) opportunities at the free throw line.

Minnesota State opens NSIC avtion this Tuesday on the road as it takes on Concordia-St. Paul. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.


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