FAYETTE, Iowa --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team could not hold off Upper Iowa late Friday evening as the Peacocks defeated the Mavericks 96-94.

With the loss, MSU drops to 8-5, including a 7-4 NSIC record. With the win, UIU improves to 8-5, including a 6-3 conference record.

The first half saw the Mavericks hold the lead through the majority of the opening minutes. Midway through the first half the Mavericks led 26-23, but the Mavericks would go on a 21-17 run to take a seven point lead at 47-40 with 2:47 to go in the half. 

Minnesota State eventually carry a 53-45 lead into the locker room.

All eight of the Mavericks who entered into the game in the first half reached the scoring column, including junior Devonte Thedford and sophomore Malik Willingham who each tallied 11 points. Sophomore Quincy Anderson and freshman Brady Williams each tallied nine points also.

As a team, MSU shot 55.6% from the field in the first half, including a 6-of-12 (.500) showing from three point range. The Mavericks also enjoyed a 22-14 advantage in rebounds.

Jake Hilmer led the UIU offense in the first half with 11 points. As a team, UIU shot 47.1% from the field in the first half.

Minnesota State would continue to hold the lead early on in the second half and eventually built its largest lead of the night at 12 as it led 81-69 with 8:04 to go in the game. Over the next five minutes, Upper Iowa chipped away at MSU's lead as it pulled within one point of the Mavericks at 87-86 with 2:58 to go.

The lead would exchange hands five times during the closing minutes. A jumper from Anderson gave the Mavericks a 94-93 lead with :28 to go, but a three-point play from Joe Smoldt with :09 to go put the Peacocks up 96-94. MSU's final shot missed the mark as UIU held on for the 96-64 win.

Thedford finished his night with 18 points, while both Holt and Anderson added 16 points. Willingham and Williams each notched 12 points also, while junior Kelby Kramer hauled in 13 rebounds.

As a team, MSU shot 55.4% from the field. The Mavericks also enjoyed a 39-28 advantage in rebounds.

Jareese Williams led UIU with 27 points, while Smoldt and Hilmer each tallied 22 points. As a team, Upper Iowa shot 50.7% from the field, including a 13-of-28 (.464) performance from three point range.

Minnesota State wraps up its road weekend series against Upper Iowa on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
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