Mankato, Minn. --- #24 Minnesota State picked up its fourth straight win Saturday afternoon at Blakeslee Stadium as the Mavericks bested Southwest Minnesota State 45-24.

With the win, MSU improves to 8-2 on the season, including a 4-1 NSIC South Division record. With the loss, SMSU drops to 4-6, including a 1-4 south division record.

The Mavericks struck on the first play of the game as a muffed fair catch on the kickoff allowed MSU freshman Brock Galetich to recover the kickoff in the end zone for a touchdown. The Mavericks just needed one play on their first drive of the game as sophomore Hayden Ekern connected with senior Nyles Williams on an 85-yard touchdown pass to put MSU 14-0.

SMSU would respond with 17 straight points to take a 17-14 lead in the second quarter. Marcus Martin connected on a pair of touchdown passes (11 yards and 20 yards) with Dustin Pampel, while Carter Dicker connected on a 23-yard field goal.

The Mavericks would respond with two more touchdowns of their own in the second quarter to take a 28-17 lead into halftime. Williams caught a 51-yard touchdown pass from Ekern, before sophomore DJ Barber caught an eight yard touchdown pass from Ekern as time expired in the half.

Minnesota State got the first three scores of the second half to go up 45-17. Sophomore Damian Chowaniec connected on a 39-yard field goal, before sophomore Tony Anger caught a two-yard touchdown pass from Ekern. Freshman Isaiah Emanuel caught a nine-yard touchdown pass from freshman Mitch Randall also.

SMSU's Martin hooked up with Albert Lemon on a 22-yard touchdown pass with 4:16 to go in the game to bring the final score to 45-24 in favor of the Mavericks.

Ekern finished his day with 262 passing yards and four touchdowns. Williams led the Maverick receivers with four catches for 170 yards and two touchdowns. Junior Shen Butler-Lawson led the Maverick rushing attack with 119 yards.

Senior Alijah McGhee led the Mavericks in tackles with nine. Senior Blake Van Veldhuizen, junior Trey Vaval and sophomore Jacob Daulton each recorded a sack, while sophomore Joey Goettl blocked a punt.

Minnesota State concludes its regular season schedule on Saturday, November 12, as they take on the Winona State Warriors. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., at Blakeslee Stadium.