MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State started its homestand off with a strong showing against Bethany Lutheran College Friday evening as it defeated the Vikings 97-66.

With the win, MSU improves to 5-0 on the season, including a 1-0 NSIC record. The game was an exhibition for BLC and will not count towards its record.

The first five minutes of the game saw MSU build a 12-0 lead. Five Mavericks scored during that opening stretch including junior Devonte Thedford and sophomore Quincy Anderson who each tallied four points during the opening stretch. The Vikings were able to get back within 10 points of the Mavericks at the midpoint of the half at 21-14.

The Mavericks would then finish the half on a 31-9 run to carry a 52-23 lead into the locker room.

Thedford led all scorers in the first half with 12 points as he connected on 5-of-8 shots from the field. Freshman Harrison Braudis added seven points also, while junior Kelby Kramer hauled in eight rebounds. As a unit, MSU shot 57.1% from the field. The Mavericks also outrebounded the Vikings 29-13.

Hunter Nielsen paced the Vikings in the first half with eight points and four rebounds. As a team, BLC shot 24.2% from the field in the first half.

Minnesota State continued to control the pace in the second half and eventually built a 43-point lead at 91-48 with 7:29 to go. MSU go on to finish the game with a 97-66 win.

Thedford led all scorers with 18 points, while Braudis added 15 points. Both Anderson and freshman Brady Williams notched 11 points as well. Kramer added 10 rebounds and three blocks also, while freshman Kyreese Willingham posted nine points and five rebounds.

As a team, MSU shot 53.5% from the field. The Mavericks also enjoyed a 50-35 advantage in rebounds.

Nielsen led the Viking offense with 14 points and seven rebounds. Jared Milinkovich nothced 12 points as well.

As a unit, BLC shot 33.8% from the field and was held to a 1-of-20 showing from three point range.

Minnesota State continues its homestand on Saturday as it takes on the Waldorf Warriors. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., at Taylor Center.


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