MANKATO, Minn. --- #19 Minnesota State got back to its winning ways Saturday afternoon at home as it bested the Bemidji State Beavers 45-24 in front of more than 5,000 fans at Blakeslee Stadium.

With the win, MSU improves to 2-1 on the season, while BSU drops to 2-1. Head coach Todd Hoffner is now tied with Dan Runkle for the most career coaching victories at Minnesota State with 108.

The first two drives of the game saw both teams exchange field goals as MSU's Luke Williams connected on a 31-yard field goal, before BSU's Mason Hoffer kicked a 20-yard field goal. The Mavericks then jumped out in front 10-3 after senior Ty'Shonan Brooks returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown. BSU was able to knot up the score at 10-10 after Brandon Alt hooked up with Brice Peters on a 15-yard touchdown pass with less than a minute to go in the first quarter.

The second quarter saw the Mavericks notch a pair of touchdowns, compared to one by the Beavers, to take a 24-17 lead into halftime. Freshman Christian Vasser capped off a an eight play drive with a one yard touchdown run, while senior Nyles Williams caught a four-yard touchdown pass from freshman Hayden Ekern. Sam McGath recorded a three-yard touchdown run that capped off a 12-play drive for Bemidji State.

The second half saw the Beavers open with a two minute touchdown drive that saw Alt connect with Peters on a nine-yard touchdown pass to tie the score at 24-24. It would prove to be all Mavericks after that as they recorded three unanswered touchdowns in the final 28 minutes of the game to claim the 45-24 win. Senior JD Ekowa accounted for two of the touchdowns as he ran his way into the end zone from one and three yards out, while sophomore Kaleb Sleezer notched a 16-yard touchdown run for the final score of the game.

In total, Minnesota State recorded 540 yards of total offense, which included 288 rushing yards and 252 passing yards. Sleezer led the Maverick rushing attack with 114 yards, marking the third time in his career that he has surpassed 100 rushing yards in a game. Freshman Charles Coleman added 60 rushing yards also.

Ekowa completed six passes for 129 yards, while Ekern tallied 72 passing yards and a touchdown. Junior Jalen Sample caught five passes for 117 yards, marking the second time in his career he has recorded more than 100 receiving yards in a game. Freshman Gabe Hagen recorded 42 receiving yards also.

Senior Jack Leius led the Maverick defense with five tackles, while Brooks and senior Eli Thomas each recorded an interception. Junior Bedale Naba also recorded one sack.

The Mavericks wrap up the north division portion of their schedule next weekend as they travel to Minot State on Saturday, Sept. 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
 
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