SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team finished its road trip on a high note Saturday evening as it bested Sioux Falls 77-69.
With the win, MSU improves to 14-7, including a 7-7 NSIC record. With the loss, USF drops to 11-10, including a 7-8 conference record.
The first half saw the Mavericks waste no time in building a 10-0 lead in the first 2:30 as four Mavericks reached the scoring column. Sioux Falls was able to cut into MSU's lead and by the midpoint of the half, as the Mavericks led by three at 22-19.
With 5:33 to go in the first half, USF jumped out in front for the first time at 27-26 after a basket from Jake Kettner. The Mavericks would tied the score three times in the final minutes of the half, but it was Sioux Falls that would take a 38-35 lead into halftime.
In the second half the Mavericks wasted no time in taking back control of the game as a pair of free throws from sophomore
Quincy Anderson put the Mavericks up for good at 45-43 with 16:34 to go. MSU still held a one-point lead at 55-54 with 9:10 to go, but a 14-6 run over the next five minutes would put the Mavericks up by nine at 69-60.
Minnesota State would lead by as many as five points the rest of the way as they closed out the game with a 77-69 win.
Anderson led the Mavericks with 25 points and nine rebounds, while freshman
Harrison Braudis notched a season-high 16 points. Sophomore
Malik Willingham added nine points also, while both freshman
Tyrell Stuttley and junior
Devonte Thedford tallied eight points.
As a team, MSU shot 48.1% from the field, including a 7-of-15 (.467) showing from the three point line. The Mavericks also recorded eight steals and forced 12 USF turnovers.
Matt Cartwright led all scorers with 29 points, while Chase Grinde recorded a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.
As a team, USF shot .347 from the field and 6-of-29 (.207) from three point range.
Minnesota State returns to action on Friday as it hosts Wayne State at Taylor Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
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