MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State went into overtime for the second time this season, but it was Southwest Minnesota State that was able to come away with the 71-69 win.

With the loss, MSU drops to 8-4, including a 3-4 NSIC record. With the win, SMSU improves to 8-4, including a 4-3 conference record.
 
The scoring was limited early on in the first half as SMSU led 17-16 with 9:55 to go in the half. MSU would then go on a 9-1 run over the next three minutes to go up 25-18 with 6:27 to go. 

The Mustangs responded with 19-4 run to go up 37-29 with :55 remaining in the opening stanza but baskets from sophomore Malik Willingham and freshman Brady Williams cut the SMSU lead to 37-33 as both teams went into the locker room.

Malik Willingham led the Mavericks in the half with 10 points. As a team, MSU shot 43.3% from the field in the first half.

Jake Phipps led the Mustangs in the first half with 12 points, while Cliff McCray added 10. As a team, SMSU shot 55.6% from the field.

The Mustangs held the lead through the opening minutes of the second half, but a layup from junior Kelby Kramer put the Mavericks back in front 54-53 with 11:56 to go. Baskets from freshman Harrison Braudis and Williams put the Mavericks up by six at 59-53 with 4:43 to go.

Less than two minutes later the Mustangs managed to knot up the score at 60-60 with 3:07 to go. Junior Devonte Thedford managed to put the Mavericks up 62-60 with :43 to go, but a layup from Phipps with :21 left sent the game into overtime.

The overtime period saw three lead changes early as Thedford tied the game at 69-69 with a pull up jumper with :26 to go. SMSU's Kenny Byers then connected with a jumper of his own with :06 to remaining to give the Mustangs the 71-69 win.

Malik Willingham netted a team-high 15 points, while Williams recorded his second career double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Thedford tallied 11 points also, while Kramer hauled in 12 rebounds. 

As a team, MSU shot 37.5% from the field. The Mavericks also hauled in 46 rebounds and blocked eight shots.

Phipps recorded a double-double as well with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while McCray notched 15 points and eight rebounds. As a team, SMSU shot 42.4% from the field, including a 10-of-22 (.455) showing from long range.

Minnesota State continues its homestand on Monday as it takes on Dakota State. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m., at Taylor Center. 

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