MANKATO, Minn. --- #5 Minnesota State picked up its 11th win at home Friday evening in Taylor Center as the Mavericks bested the Wayne State Wildcats by the score of 79-63.

With the win, MSU improved to 22-2 on the season, including a 16-2 NSIC record. With the loss, WSC droped to 13-11, including a 6-11 conference record. The Mavericks secured a first-round bye in the NSIC Tournament.

The first half proved to be a close affair as the lead changed hands six times, with neither team leading by more than eight points. Five into the game, WSC held an 11-7 lead, but a 13-3 run over the next four minutes put MSU up 20-14 with 10:49 to go in the half.

The Mavericks built their largest lead of the half with 3:43 to go as a layup from Malik Willingham put MSU up by eight at 37-29. WSC managed to cut the Maverick lead to six at 41-35 before the game went into halftime.

Brady Williams led all scorers in the first half with 13 points, while Malcolm Jones hauled in seven rebounds. As a team, MSU shot 38.9% from the field in the first half and 8-of-8 from the free throw line.

Alec Millender led the Wildcats in the first half with nine points, while Jay Saunders and Cody McCullogh each posted six points. As a unit, WSC shot 42.9% from the field in the opening stanza.

Just five minutes into the second half the Mavericks till held their six-point lead at 47-41. The Mavericks then put together a 10-0 run over the next four minutes to take a 57-41 lead with 10:54 to go. Harrison Braudis and Kyreese Willingham each notched a pair of baskets during that stretch.

MSU still led by 13 at 64-51 with 5:40 to go in the game, but a 7-0 run by the Mavericks over the next three minutes ended any thought of a comeback for the Wildcats as Minnesota State went on to secure the 79-63 win.

Williams led the Mavericks with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Kyreese Willingham recorded 15 points and five rebounds. Malik Willingham finished with 14 points and four assists also, while Justin Eagins and Braudis each finished with nine points.

As a team, MSU shot 38.9% from the field. The Mavericks also connected on 19-of-25 (.760) shots from the free throw line. MSU also hauled in 40 rebounds and forced 14 WSC turnovers.

Millender led all scorers with 17 points, while JJ Ferrin finished with 11 points. Both McCullough and Jay Saunders netted 10 points each as well.

As a team, WSC shot 42.9% from the field, including a 9-of-28 (.273) showing from three point range. The Wildcats also connected on 10-of-11 (.909) shots from the free throw line.

Minnesota State wraps up its weekend at home on Saturday as it takes on Augustana. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., at Taylor Center.

 
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