BISMARCK, N.D. --- #1 Minnesota State got back to its winning ways Saturday evening as it defeated the University of Mary 87-71.

With the win, MSU improves 17-1, including an 11-1 NSIC record. With the loss, UMary drops to 6-12, including a 1-11 conference record.

"Good bounce back victory for us tonight," head coach Matt Margenthaler said. "Our energy from the bench to the court was incredible."

The Mavericks jumped out to a 13-0 lead right away in the first half as Elijah Hazekamp, Justin Eagins and Malik Willingham each connected on a three pointer. MSU would keep adding to its lead as it went up by 20 at 27-20 with 12:31 remaining in the half. Malik Willingham led the Mavericks with nine points during the opening stretch, with Eagins following right behind with eight points.

The Mavericks would lead by as many as 22 points during the opening stanza as they would carry a 45-27 lead into halftime.

Eagins led all scorers in the first half with 12 points, while Malik Willingham added nine points and four assists. Brady Williams posted five points, seven rebounds and four assists also. As a team, MSU shot 53.1% from the field in the first half, including a 7-of-18 (.389) showing from downtown. The Mavericks also passed out 14 assists.

Gerald Gittens led the Marauders in the first half with six points and three assists. As a team, UMary shot 28.9% from the field in the opening stanza.

Less than four minutes into the second half, UMary used a 12-4 run cut MSU's lead to 10 points at 49-39. The Mavericks responded quickly though with a 16-10 run, including six points from Malcolm Jones, to go back up by 17 at 63-46.

The Marauders managed to get back within 12 points of the Mavericks at 64-52 with 9:17 to go, but they would get no closer as Minnesota State would maintain its double-digit the rest of the way as it locked down the 87-71 win.

Malik Willingham notched 17 points, four assists and three steals, while Eagins finished with 15 points and seven assists. Hazekamp finished with 12 points and eight rebounds, while Kyreese Willingham recorded 13 points. Brady Williams added nine points, eight rebounds and seven assists as well.

As a unit, the Mavericks shot 55.2% from the field, including a 10-of-26 (.385) performance from downtown. MSU also passed out 26 assists and forced 11 UMary turnovers.

Gittens led all scorers with 22 points, while Zyon Smith recorded 15 points and six rebounds.

As a team, UMary shot 38.9% from the field. The Marauders also hauled in 42 rebounds.

Minnesota State returns home on Friday as it hosts St. Cloud State. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., at Taylor Center.