MANKATO, Minn. --- #5 Minnesota State picked up its 12th win at Taylor Center Saturday evening as the Mavericks bested Augustana 89-81.

With the win, MSU improves to 23-2 on the season, including a 17-2 NSIC record. With the loss, AU drops to 14-10, including a 9-9 conference record.

The Mavericks jumped out in front early in the first half as they went up 10-5 after a layup from Malik Willingham with 15:17 to go in the half. Augustana then responded with a 17-4 run over the next 5:51 to take a 19-12 lead with 11:00 to go in the half.

Undaunted, the Mavericks responded with a 16-7 run of their own over the next 5:53 to retake the lead at 28-26 with 5:03 remaining in the half. Malik Willingham tallied six of MSU's 16 points during that stretch. The Mavericks would finish the half outscoring the Vikings 13-6, including 11 points from Elijah Hazekamp, to take a 41-32 lead into halftime.

Hazekamp led the Mavericks in the first half with 11 points, while Malik Willingham tallied eight points and four assists. As a team, MSU shot 45.7% from the field, including a 6-of-14 (.429) performance from downtown.

Jadan Graves led the Vikings in the first half with 11 points, while Caden Hinker added eight points. As a unit, AU shot 41.2% from the field, including a 4-of-11 (.364) showing from three point range.
Augustana wasted no time in cutting MSU's lead to one as it outscored the Mavericks 9-1 in the first 2:11 to bring the score to 42-41. Minnesota State responded quickly however as it put together a 23-9 run over the next seven minutes to go up by 15 at 65-50 with 10:49 to go. Six Mavericks scored during that stretch, including Malik Willingham who tallied eight points.

The Mavericks kept their double-digit lead up to the final 1:13, before a pair of free throws from Augustana brought the Vikings back within eight of MSU at 83-75. With time running out the Vikings were forced to foul, but the Mavericks connected on 6-of-8 attempts from the free throw line in the final minute to end any thoughts of a comeback as the Mavericks locked down the 89-81 win.

Malik Willingham led the Mavericks with 24 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, while Hazekamp finished with 19 points. Dylan Peeters added 16 points, while Kyreese Willingham tallied 15 points and nine rebounds.

As a team, MSU shot 47.7% from the field, including a 12-of-26 (.462) showing from three point range. The Mavericks also connected on 15-of-19 (.789) attempts from the line as they hauled in 41 rebounds.

Graves led all scorers with 29 points, while Isaac Fink finished with 14 points.

As a team, AU shot 45.6% from the field, including a 10-of-24 (.417) performance from downtown. The Vikings also passed out 16, but committed 14 turnovers.

Minnesota State continues its season on Saturday, February 17, as it travels to Northern State. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., at Wachs Arena.