MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team rallied in the second half Saturday evening in Taylor Center as the Mavericks bested Sioux Falls 82-79.

With the win, MSU improves to 7-5 on the season, including a 3-1 NSIC record. With the loss, USF drops to 6-5, including a 2-3 conference record.

After exchanging baskets early on in the first half, USF put together a 20-4 run over the course of eight minutes in the first half to take a 25-10 lead with 9:00 minutes to go in the half. Taylen Ashley netted eight of USF's 20 points during that stretch.

Minnesota State would cut into Sioux Falls' lead in the final nine minutes of the half it outscored the Cougars 24-15, as USF carried a 40-34 lead into halftime. Senior Harrison Braudis notched 12 points during that stretch, all of which came from behind the three point line.

Braudis and senior Kyreese Willingham led the Mavericks in the first half with 12 points each, with Willingham also hauling in seven rebounds. As a team MSU shot 39.4% from the field, including a 4-of-9 (.444) showing from downtown.

Ashley led all scorers in the first half with 17 points, while Creighton Morisch tallied eight points for the Cougars. As a team, USF shot 44.1% from the field in the opening stanza, including an 8-of-14 (.571) performance from downtown.

A little more than five minutes into the second half the Cougars still led by three at 52-49, but the Mavericks would put together a 17-6 run over the next 5:26 to take a 66-58 lead with 8:09 to go. Four Mavericks recorded at least two points during that stretch, including Willingham who netted 10 of MSU's 17 points. MSU continued to add to its lead as it went by 13 points at 75-62 with 4:15 remaining.

USF would not go out quietly however as the Cougars managed to get back within two points of the Mavericks at 81-79 with :23 to go. USF then fouled Willingham who went to the line and put the Mavericks up by three at 82-79. The Cougars tried a last second three but Ashley's three pointer missed the mark in the final seconds as the Mavericks came away with the 82-79 win.

Willingham notched a double-double as he recorded 27 points and 12 rebounds in 38 minutes of playing time. Senior Justin Eagins added 20 points and seven assists also, while Braudis finished with 15 points and five rebounds. Sophomore Caden Kirkman tallied 14 points as well, while junior Malcolm Jones hauled in nine rebounds.

As a team, MSU shot 42.4% from the field, including a 9-of-17 (.529) clip from three point range. The Mavericks also hauled in 42 rebounds and outscored the Cougars 34-22 in the paint.

Ashley led the Cougars with 23 points, while Morisch notched a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds.

As a team, USF shot 40.3% from the field, including a 13-of-29 (.448) showing from three point range. The Cougars hauled in 42 rebounds and passed out 17 assists.

Minnesota State wraps up its three-game homestand on Thursday as the Mavericks host Concordia-St. Paul in Taylor Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.