MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team battled #9 Augustana throughout Saturday evening at Taylor Center but its was the Vikings that were able to come away with the 85-74 win.

With the loss, Minnesota State drops to 15-8 on the season, including an 8-8 NSIC record. With the win, Augustana improves to 21-2, including a 15-2 conference record.

The first half saw the Vikings control the pace early on as they built a seven point lead at 11-4 with 16:18 to go in the half. AU still held its seven point lead by the midpoint of the half as it led 16-9. 

The Mavericks then responded with a 17-9 run over the next five minutes to take their first lead of the game at 26-25. Freshman Brady Williams notched six points during that stretch, while sophomore Malik Willingham tallied five. MSU would increase its lead to eight points with four minutes to go in the half, but the Vikings were able to cut into MSU's lead as the Mavericks carried a 35-33 lead into halftime.

Williams led the Mavericks in the first half with 13 points, while Malik Willingham notched seven points and three assists.

Tyler Riemersma led all scorers in the first half with 16 points and eight rebounds. Jameson Bryan notched 10 points as well.

The game remained close in the early part of the second half as both teams were tied 56-56 with 11:37 to go. The Vikings were able to build a seven-point lead at 71-64 with 5:19 to go, but a pair of free throws from freshman Harrison Braudis brought the Mavericks back within two scores of AU at 71-66 with 4:37 to go.

The Vikings would go on an 8-2 run over the next two minutes to increase its lead to 11 at 79-68 with 2:19 to go. The Mavericks managed to get back within seven in the final minutes but they would get no closer as Augustana came away with the 85-74 win.

Williams led the Mavericks with a career-high 21 points, as he shot 5-of-6 from three point range. Sophomore Quincy Anderson added 13 points and eight rebounds as well, while Malik Willingham posted 13 points, four rebounds and four assists. Junior Devonte Thedford added 11 points as well.

As a team, MSU shot 40.3% from the field. The Mavericks also forced 13 AU turnovers and connected on 15-of-18 (.833) of their attempts from the free throw line.

Isaac Fink led all scorers with 22 points, while Riemersma notched a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds.

Minnesota State continues its season on the road this Thursday as it takes on the Upper Iowa Peacocks. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

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