MANKATO, Minn. --- #12 Minnesota State saw six players score at least 10 points in MSU's 97-63 win over Bethany Lutheran College Saturday evening in Taylor Center.

With the win, MSU improves to 6-0 on the season. The game will count as an exhibition for BLC.

"I thought that when we came out in the second half and played the way we wanted to start the game," head coach Matt Margenthaler said. "We need to play more connected for 40 minutes with the league schedule starting on Friday."

BLC jumped out to an early 6-2 lead in the first three minutes, but the Mavericks would respond with a 9-0 run to take an 11-6 lead with 14:38 to go in the first half. BLC managed to get back within one of the Mavericks at 14-13, but MSU would maintain its lead as it led 22-17 10 minutes into the game.

A dunk from Dylan Peeters at 4:02 gave the Maverick an 11-point lead at 40-29, but the Vikings were able to work their way back to within single-digits in the closing minutes of the half at MSU carried a 46-37 lead into the locker room.

Malik Willingham led the Maverick offense in the first half with 12 points, while Peeters notched eight points and six rebounds. Kyreese Willingham added seven points and eight rebounds in the first half also. As a unit, MSU hauled in 32 rebounds during the opening stanza.

Mason Ackley led all scorers in the first half with 16 points. Ackley also hauled in seven rebounds while Hunter Nielsen tallied 10 points and six rebounds also. As a team, BLC shot 43.2% from the field.

MSU would open the half on a 24-13 run to take a 20-point lead at 64-44 with 13:33 to go in the game. Peeters had seven points during that stretch, while Malik Willingham notched five. The Mavericks would not look back the rest of the way as MSU outscored BLC 33-19 down the stretch to claim the 97-63 win.

Malik Willingham led all scorers with 22 points, which included a 4-of-5 showing from downtown. Peeters finished with a double-double that included 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Kyreese Willingham tallied 13 points and nine rebounds. Harrison Braudis added 11 points as well while Malcom Jones and Brady Williams netted 10 points each. Justin Eagins passed out a game-high eight assists also.

As a unit, MSU shot 45.2% from the field. The Mavericks also outrebounded the Vikings 58-37, including 23 offensive boards that MSU converted into 19 second chance points. The Mavericks also passed out 20 assists and recorded 14 steals.

Nielsen led the Vikings with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Ackley finished with 16 points.

As a team, BLC shot 38.2% from the field, including a 3-of-19 (.158) performance from three point range.

Minnesota State opens NSIC action at home this Friday as it takes on Sioux Falls. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., at Taylor Center.