MANKATO, Minn. --- It proved to be a close game throughout at Taylor Center Saturday evening between Minnesota State and Minnesota Duluth, but it was Bulldogs that were able to come away with the 85-76 win.

With the loss, MSU drops to 12-4, including a 6-4 NSIC record. With the win, UMD improves to 12-3, including an 8-2 conference record.

The first half remained close throughout as neither team led by more than six points through the first 20 minutes. A dunk from freshman Malcom Jones put the Mavericks up 17-11 with 14:14 to go in the half, but the Bulldogs would work their way back as the game was tied at 23-23 with 9:59 to go.

The game remained tied at 33-33 with 2:06 to go in the half. UMD would outscore the Mavericks 8-5 in the final two minutes to take a 41-38 lead into halftime.

Senior Trevor Moore led all scorers in the first half with 18 points, which included a 3-of-5 showing from downtown. As a team, MSU shot 46.7% from the field in the first half.

Charlie Katona led the Bulldogs in the first half with 12 points. As a team, UMD shot 48.4% from the field in the first half.

The second half saw the Bulldogs maintain their lead through the first 10 minutes as they led 64-60. After a pair of free throws from Moore at 8:30, the Mavericks cut UMD's to one possession at 67-64. UMD managed to go back up by seven at 73-66, but two baskets from Jones and Moore would cut UMD's lead to two ay 73-71 with 5:49 to go.

The final five minutes of the game would see the Bulldogs outscore the Mavericks 12-5 as UMD grinded out the 85-76 win.

Moore led all scorers with a career-high 27 points, which included a 9-of-9 performance from the free throw line. Sophomore Harrison Braudis finished with 16 points, while sophomore Kyreese Willingham notched 13 points as well.

As a team, MSU shot 44.4% from the field, including an 11-of-27 (.407) performance from downtown.

Joshua Brown led the Bulldogs with 22 points, while Kotana finished with 20 points and seven rebounds. Drew Blair added 19 points as well.

As a team, UMD shot 51.7% from the field. The Bulldogs also connected on 18-of-27 (.667) attempts from the line.

Minnesota State begins a four-game road trip on Friday as it takes on the Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.