MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team ended the 2021 calendar year with a win Monday evening in Taylor Center as the Mavericks bested Dakota State 82-73.

With the win, MSU improves to 9-4 on the season. The game will count as an exhibition for DSU.

The firtst half saw the Mavericks build a quick 15-2 lead with 16:07 to go. Sophomore Malik Willingham netted nine points during that stretch, while freshman Brady Williams tallied six points. Midway through the half the Trojans managed to cut the defitcit to single digits at 21-12.

Dakota State would claim its first lead of the game as a three pointer from Deshawn Kelly put the Trojans up 34-33 with 1:06 to go in the half. A layup from sophomore Quincy Anderson would put the Mavericks up 35-34 as both teams went into the locker room.

Williams led all scorers in the first half with 13 points, while Malik Willingham tallied nine. As a team, MSU shot 48.0% from the field in the first half.

Jordan Lynn and Chris Morales paced the Trojans in the first half with nine points each. As a unit, DSU shot 53.8% from the field in the first half.

The scored remained close throughout the first nine minutes of the second half as the Mavericks trailed 52-51 with 11:02 to go in the game. MSU would then go on an 8-0 run over the next 1:19 to go up 59-52, with three points coming from freshmen Tyrell Stuttley and Kyreese Willingham.

The Trojans managed to get back within three points of the Mavericks a few times, but they would get no closer as the Mavericks went on to claim the 82-73 win.

Anderson led all scorers with 26 points, to go along with seven rebounds. Williams netted 15 points, with Malik Willingham posting 13 points and five rebounds. Stuttley added 10 points also.

As a team, MSU shot 55.6% from the field. The Mavericks also hauled in 35 rebounds.

Ronnie Latting led the Trojan offense with 14 points, while Lynn notched 13 points and seven rebounds.

As a unit, the Trojans shot 50.9% from the field.

Minnesota State concludes its four-game homestand on Sunday, January 2 as it hosts Concordia-St. Paul. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

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