MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State bounced back at home Friday evening as it bested Sioux Falls 81-63 at Taylor Center.

With the win, MSU improves to 8-3 on the season, including a 3-3 NSIC record. With the loss, USF drops to 6-6 in the season, including a 2-4 NSIC record.

The first half saw the Mavericks jump out to a 14-0 lead in the first six minutes. Sophomore Quincy Anderson notched eight points during the opening stretch, while junior Devonte Thedford netted six points. MSU would continue to add to its lead and would eventually go up by 20 at 29-9 with 8:11 to go in the half.

The Mavericks would eventually head into the locker room lead by 25 points at 48-23. As a unit, MSU shot 19-of-28 (.679) from the field in the first half, including a 5-of-9 (.556) showing from three point range. 

Anderson led all scorers in the first half with 17 points, while Thedford tallied 13 points. Freshman Brady Williams added nine points as well.

Marko Coudreau led the Cougars in the first half with eight points. As a team, USF shot 9-of-36 (.250) from the field in the opening stanza. 

The second half saw the Mavericks maintain their 20-point lead throughout most of the final 20 minutes. USF managed to get back within 19 of the Mavericks at 75-56 with 4:41 to go but the Mavericks would go on to finish with an 81-63 win.

As a team, MSU shot 51.7% (30-of-58) from the field. Anderson led all scorers with 25 points, while Thedford finished with 20 points. Williams notched 13 points as well, while junior Kelby Kramer tallied seven blocks and six rebounds.

Will Kondrat led the Cougars with 14 points and six rebounds, while Coudreau posted 13 points. As a team, USF shot 38.3% from the field.

Minnesota State continues its homestand on Saturday as it squares off with Southwest Minnesota State. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

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