MANKATO, Minn. --- #16 Minnesota State led for nearly the entire game Saturday afternoon in Taylor Center as the Mavericks picked up their ninth win of the season in a 97-68 victory over Upper Iowa.

With the win, MSU improves to 9-0 on the season, including a 3-0 NSIC record. With the loss, UIU drops to 5-4, including a 2-1 conference record.

Six minutes into the game the Mavericks built their first double-digit lead of the game at 21-10 after a basket from sophomore Kyreese Willingham. The Mavericks continued to pour it on and eventually led 31-12 with just under 10 minutes to go in the half.

The Mavericks would maintain their double-digit lead as they carried a 56-31 lead into halftime.

Junior Malik Willingham led all scorers with 21 points, in the first half, while senior Trevor Moore posted 11 points. As a team, MSU shot 55.6% from the field in the first half, including a 10-of-15 showing from downtown.

Nick Reid led the Peacocks in the first half with 11 points and five rebounds, while Lucas Duax tallied 10 points. As a team, UIU shot 36.1% from the field in the opening stanza.

The Mavericks would not give an inch in the second half as they led by as many as 31 points, en route to a 97-68 win.

Malik Willingham led all scorers with 30 points, while Kyreese Willingham netted 14 points. Freshman Malcolm Jones notched his first career double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Moore finished with 11 points. Sophomore Harrison Braudis tallied 10 points as well.

As a unit, MSU shot 50.0% from the field, including a 13-of-26 performance from downtown. The Mavericks also hauled in 44 rebounds and passed out 14 assists.

Reid led the Peacocks with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Lucas Duax tallied 15 points. As a team, UIU shot 38.9% from the field.

Minnesota State continues its season at home this Friday as it hosts the Augustana Vikings. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., at Taylor Center.