MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State saw its five-game winning streak come to an end Friday evening in Taylor Center as Southwest Minnesota State defeated the Mavericks 82-73.

With the loss, MSU drops to 6-5 on the season, including a 2-1 NSIC record. With the win, SMSU improves to 8-2, including a 3-1 conference record. MSU's 20-game winning streak at Taylor Center dating back to Feb. 2, 2023 also came to an end.

The game remained close through the opening 10 minutes as the Mavericks led by two at 21-19. Mavericks senior Justin Eagins notched 10 points, during that stretch, while Aeron Stevens of SMSU tallied eight points. The Mustangs then put together a 9-3 run to go up 28-24, only to see the Mavericks answer with an 11-4 run of their own to take a 35-32 lead with 2:43 to go in the half.

The final two minutes of the half saw SMSU notch the final seven points as they carried a 39-35 lead into halftime.

Eagins led all scorers in the first half with 15 points, while junior Malcolm Jones and freshman Will Opsahl each tallied five points. As a team, MSU shot 40.0% from the field, including a 5-of-12 (.417) showing from downtown.

Jakob Braaten led the Mustangs in the first half with 12 points, while Stevens tallied eight. As a team, SMSU shot 48.5% from the field in the first half, to go along with a 24-12 advantage in points in the paint.

The early going of the second half saw the Mavericks erase their four-point deficit as the Mavericks tied the score at 49-49 with 15:51 to go. Four different Mavericks scored during that stretch, including Opsahl who recorded a pair of threes.

With the score tied at 49-49, SMSU then began a 16-6 run to go up by 10 at 65-55 with 11:26 remaining. MSU managed to get back within five points of the Mustangs at 73-68 with 2:20 to go, but the Mustangs would keep the Mavericks at bay as they connected on 7-of-8 free throws down the stretch to secure the 82-73.

Eagins finished with 20 points and three assists, while senior Kyreese Willingham tallied 16 points, nine rebounds and five steals. Opsahl finished with 14 points, while sophomore Caden Kirkman tallied a game-high 11 rebounds.

As a team, MSU shot 42.2% from the field, including an 11-of-25 (.440) performance from three point land. The Mavericks also passed out 12 assists and recorded eight steals.

Braaten led the Mustangs with 26 points and five rebounds. Steven Kramer notched 21 points, 16 of which came in the second half.

As a team, SMSU shot 52.5% from the field and 15-of-18 (.833) from the free throw line. SMSU also enjoyed a 46-28 advantage in points in the paint.

Minnesota State continues its season at home on Saturday as it hosts the Sioux Falls Cougars. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Taylor Center.