MARSHALL, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team had its three-game winning streak snapped Friday evening on the road as it fell to Southwest Minnesota State 81-71.
With the loss, the Mavericks drop to 13-7, including a 6-7 NSIC record. With the win, the Mustangs improve to 12-8, including an 8-7 conference record.
SMSU was able to build the first double-digit lead of the game almost eight minutes in as a layup from Jake Phipps put the Mustangs up 20-10 with 12:08 to go in the half. The Mavericks would chip away at SMSU's lead and eventually tied the game at 33-33 after a jumper from sophomore
Quincy Anderson with 3:31 to go in the half.
Both teams then exchange three pointers, but an SMSU layup with :35 left in the half gave the Mustangs a 38-36 lead as both teams went into the locker room.
The first three minutes of the second half saw the Mavericks jump out fast as they outscored the Mustangs 7-4, with three different Mavericks recording baskets, to take their second lead of the game at 43-42. With 10:00 to go in the game, SMSU would hold a one-point lead at 57-56.
The final 10 minutes saw the Mustangs control the pace the rest of the way as they led by as many as 11 points, en route to locking down the 81-71 win.
Anderson led the Mavericks with 24 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore
Malik Willingham netted 15 points, which included a 3-of-5 showing from downtown. Freshman
Harrison Braudis added 10 points and five assists also.
As a team, MSU shot 47.5% from the field, including a 10-of-23 (.435) showing from three point range. The Mavericks also hauled in 33 rebounds.
Kenny Byers led the Mustangs with 21 points and seven rebounds, while Dunwa Omot tallied 17 points. Phipps notched eight points and seven assists also.
Minnesota State wraps up its road trip this Saturday as it takes on the Sioux Falls Cougars. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
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