Box Score MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State kept things rolling at Taylor Center Saturday evening as it bested Northern State 75-68.
With the win, MSU improves to 12-6, including a 6-6 NSIC record. With the loss, NSU drops to 14-10, including an 8-8 NSIC record.
The opening part of the first half saw the Wolves holding a small lead. NSU led by as many as five points in the opening nine minutes, but Minnesota State was able to grab its first lead of the game after sophomore
Malik Willingham connected on a three pointer to put MSU up 18-16 with 10:51 to go in the half.
The Mavericks would add to their lead through the rest of the opening stanza, leading by as many as nine, as they carried a 36-28 lead into halftime.
Sophomore
Quincy Anderson paced the Maverick offense in the first half with 11 points and six rebounds, while freshman
Tyrell Stuttley notched eight points.
Sam Masten led the Wolves in the first half with nine points, while Jordan Belka tallied seven points and six rebounds.
The second half saw the Mavericks continue to control the pace as they led by 10 at 44-34 with 15:31 to go. NSU was able to get back within four of the Mavericks at 48-44 with 11:19 to go, but MSU would respond with an 18-9 run over the next five minutes.
Malik Willingham notched nine points during MSU's 18-9 run, while freshman
Kyreese Willingham tallied five points.
The Wolves managed to get back within five points of the Mavericks with :41 to go in the game, but they would get no closer as free throws from Anderson and junior
Devonte Thedford would lock down MSU's 75-68 win.
Anderson led all scorers with 18 points, to go along with eight rebounds. Both Stuttley and
Malik Willingham each netted 13 points, while junior
Kelby Kramer notched 11 points and seven rebounds.
Minnesota State begins a three-game road trip this Tuesday as it takes on St. Cloud State in a nonconference game. MSU will then resume NSIC south division action against Southwest Minnesota State on Friday and Sioux Falls on Saturday.
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