MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team kept things rolling Saturday afternoon at Taylor Center as it bested Waldorf 103-73.

With the win, MSU improves to 6-0 on the season, including a 1-0 NSIC record. Today's game counted as an exhibition contest for Waldorf.

The first three minutes of the first half saw the Warriors build a quick 9-2 lead, with Chett Helming recording seven points during that stretch. Six minutes later MSU was able to take its first lead of the game at 17-15 after a jumper from freshman Kyreese Willingham.

Minnesota State would not relinquish the lead through the remainder of the first half as it outscored the Warriors 33-11 in the final 10:39 of the half to take a 50-26 lead into the locker room.

Sophomore Quincy Anderson led all scorers with 12 points, to go along with four rebounds and four assists. Freshman Brady Williams tallied eight points as well, while both sophomore Ryland Holt and Kyreese Willingham each netted seven points.

As a unit, MSU shot 52.9% from the field in the first half. It also connected on 11-of-12 (.917) attempts from the free throw line.

Helming led the Warrior offense in the first half with seven points and four rebounds. Quincy Minor Jr. and Lorenzo Smith each tallied five points also. As a team, Waldorf shot 33.3% from the field in the first half.

The Mavericks wasted no time in the second half as they started with an 18-6 run during the first four minutes to go up 68-30. Minnesota State would lead by at least 30 points the rest of the way as it went on to claim the 103-73 win. This is the first time this season that MSU has scored at least 100 points in a game. The last time the Mavericks reached the 100-point plateau came during MSU's 117-60 win over Crown College back on Nov. 23, 2019.

Anderson led the Maverick offense with 18 points six rebounds, while Williams tallied 17 points. Both Holt and sophomore Shawn Hopkins each netted 12 points, with Holt hauling in a team-high eight rebounds. Sophomore Malik Willingham notched seven steals.

As a unit, Minnesota State shot 54.3% from the field, to go with a 21-of-22 (.955) showing from the free throw line. The Mavericks also forced 17 Waldorf turnovers and hauled in 41 rebounds.

Tyree'on Johnson led Waldorf with a double-double as he tallied 18 points and 11 rebounds. As a team, WU shot 43.5% from the field.

Minnesota State resumes NSIC action this Thursday as it hosts Upper Iowa at 5: 30 p.m., at Taylor Center.


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