BEMIDJI, Minn. --- Minnesota State could not come away with the win on the road Saturday evening as Bemidji State defeated the Mavericks 79-69.

With the loss, MSU drops to 13-5 on the season, including a 7-5 NSIC record. With the win, BSU improves to 12-6, including a 7-5 conference record.

The Mavericks opened the first half firing on all cylinders as they built a 22-17 lead with 9:54 to go in the half. Sophomore Kyreese Willingham netted 11 of MSU's first 22 points as the Mavericks shot 9-of-16 from the field, including a 4-of-6 performance from downtown, in the first 10 minutes of the game.

With just under five minutes in the first half, MSU led by six at 29-23 after freshman Chase Bartlett connected from behind the three point line. BSU would then finish the half outscoring the Mavericks 14-5 in the final 4:46 of the half to go up 37-34 at halftime.

Kyreese Willingham led the Mavericks in the first half with 13 points, while senior Kelby Kramer added six points and six rebounds. As a team, MSU shot 45.2% from the field in the first half.

John Sutherland led the Beavers in the first half with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Mohamed Kone posted eight points. As a team, BSU shot 52.0% from the field.

Neither team led by more than three points through the first 10 minutes of the second half as the lead changed hands twice. A three pointer from freshman Dawson Rudolph tied the score at 50-50, before a layup from BSU put the Beavers up 52-50 with 9:59 to go.

BSU would hold the lead the rest of the way as it led by as many as 12 points, en route to a 79-69 win over the Mavericks.

Kyreese Willingham led the Maverick offense with 25 points as he shot 9-of-18 from the field, including a 4-of-8 performance from three point range. Senior Trevor Moore added 15 points also, while senior Kelby Kramer notched six points and hauled in eight rebounds.

As a team, MSU shot 43.9% from the field, including a 9-of-19 (.474) showing from three point range.

Sutherland notched a double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Kone tallied 20 points and seven rebounds.

As a team, BSU shot 52.0% from the field. The Beavers also cashed in on 23-of-27 (.852) shots from the free throw line.

Minnesota State continues its road trip on Friday as it takes on the Northern State Wolves. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.