ST. PAUL, Minn. --- Minnesota State started off its NSIC schedule on a high note Tuesday evening in St. Paul as it bested Concordia-St. Paul 81-66.

With the win, MSU improves to 4-0 on the season, including a 1-0 NSIC record. With the loss CSP drops to 1-4 on the season, including a 0-1 conference record.

Defense controlled the pace of the first half early on as neither team led by more than four points through the first 12 minutes. CSP led 10-6 with 16:17 to go in the half, but a 9-4 run capped off by a basket from freshman Kyreese Willingham put the Mavericks up 15-14 with 10:55 to go.

The Golden Bears reclaimed the lead after a jumper from Roy Grigsby put CSP up 22-21 with 6:14 to go. MSU would then finish the half on a 19-4 run to take a 40-26 lead into the locker room. Sophomore Malik Willingham connected on three shots from downtown during that final stretch, while junior Devonte Thedford tallied six points.

Thedford led all scorers in the first half with 12 points and four assists, while Malik Willingham notched 11 points. Marcus Skeete led the Golden Bears in the first half with nine points.

Trailing by 14 points at the start of the second half, Concordia-St. Paul opened with a 20-13 run to cut the MSU lead to seven at 53-46 with 10:02 to go in the game. Three Maverick free throws and a basket from sophomore Quincy Anderson then put the Mavericks back up by 10 at 58-48 with 8:18 to go.

The Golden Bears got back within eight points of the Mavericks at 58-50, but they would get no closer as Minnesota State would maintain a double-digit lead down the stretch as it claimed the 81-66 win. 

Thedford led all scorers with a season-high 21 points, to go along with five rebounds and four assists. Anderson notched 15 points as well, with 12 coming in the second half. Malik Willingham and freshman Brady Williams each netted 16 points. Willingham finished his night shooting 4-of-6 from downtown, while Williams notched four steals.

As a team, MSU shot 50.0% from the field. The Mavericks also outrebounded the Golden Bears 39-35 and forced 19 CSP turnovers.

Skeete led CSP in scoring with 16 points. As a team, CSP shot 42.4% from the field, including an 11-of-26 (.423) showing from three point range.

Minnesota State returns to Taylor Center to begin a three-game homestand this Friday as it takes on Bethany Lutheran College. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.


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