MANKATO, Minn. --- #3 Minnesota State did not miss a step in its return from winter break as the Mavericks bested Northern State 81-66 at Taylor Center.

With the win, MSU improves to 14-0 on the season, including an 8-0 NSIC record. With the loss, NSU drops to 5-8, including a 3-4 conference record. MSU's 14-0 start is the second best start to a season in team history, trailing its 17-0 start during the 2009-10 season.

Ten minutes into the contest things remained close as Northern State held a 19-16 lead. Over the next three minutes, MSU would put together an 11-6 run, including five points from both Justin Eagins and Elijah Hazekamp, to put the Mavericks up 27-25.
The Wolves managed to get the next two baskets to retake the lead at 29-27 with 4:54 to go, but the Mavericks would finish the half on a 16-7 run to take a 43-36 lead into halftime. Kyreese Willingham notched 10 points during the closing stretch as MSU connected on 5-of-6 shots from the field.

Eagins paced the Mavericks in the first half with 11 points, while Kyreese Willingham notched 10 points. Elijah Hazekamp added nine points and seven rebounds also. As a unit, MSU hot 53.3% from the field in the opening stanza.

Jacksen Moni led all scorers in the first half with 12 points, while also hauling in six rebounds. Josh Dilling added 10 points in the first half as well. As a team, NSU shot 34.2% from the field in the first half.

Early on in the second half the Mavericks jumped out to a 13-point lead at 55-42 with 14:52 to go. Malik Willingham notched eight points during the first five minutes of the half, including a pair of three pointers.

The Mavericks maintained their double-digit lead the rest of the way as they led by as many as 20 points, en route to an 81-66 win.

Hazekamp led the Mavericks as he matched his season-high of 20 points, while hauling in eight rebounds. Malik Willingham added 16 points and six rebounds, while Kyreese Willingham finished with 14 points and three steals. Eagins added 13 points and six assists also.

As a unit, MSU shot 54.2% from the field. The Mavericks also hauled in 37 rebounds and forced 10 turnovers while enjoying a 36-20 advantage in points in the paint.

Minnesota State has now won its last 10 games in Taylor Center dating back to its 67-65 win over Winona State on Feb. 12, 2023 last season.

Moni finished with a double-double as he tallied 20 points and 11 rebounds. Dilling recorded 19 points and eight rebounds as well.

As a team, NSU shot 36.8% from the field, including a 9-of-30 (.300) showing from downtown.

Minnesota State begins a four-game road trip on Friday, Jan. 12, as it takes on Bemidji State. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., at BSU Gymnasium.