SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Minnesota State (4-2) fell to Grand Valley State (3-0) in a 76-55 defeat at the Stewart Center on Friday night. Despite the loss, the Mavericks secured 41 rebounds, including 14 offensive boards, but struggled with shooting, hitting only 15 of 59 field-goal attempts.

Minnesota State began the first half with strong defensive play, as junior Caden Kirkman blocked a jumper to set the tone. Despite efforts to maintain pace through fast breaks and free throws, the Mavericks faced challenges in shooting efficiency, converting 5 of 22 field goal attempts and missing all 11 three-point attempts. Junior Arhman Lewis provided a boost with consistent free throw shooting, contributing eight points from the line.

Grand Valley State established an early lead, leveraging a strong inside presence with 22 points in the paint and converting five 3-pointers. Despite the Mavericks' efforts at the free-throw line, where they made 12 of 19 attempts, they struggled from the field with just 5-for-22 shooting. Turnovers were costly for Minnesota State, as they committed seven, leading to 12 points for the visitors. At the end of the half, the scoreboard read 40-22 in favor of the Lakers.

Minnesota State managed to score eight fast break points and secured five offensive rebounds, showing resilience against the Lakers' defense. However, Grand Valley State capitalized on turnovers, scoring 12 points off turnovers and maintaining a shooting edge by making 16 of 33 field goals, including 5 three-pointers. The half closed with Minnesota State trailing 40–22.

Minnesota State initiated the second half with a resilient effort, highlighted by Kirkman's layup and free throw at 17:34, narrowing the deficit to 17 points. Freshman Colton Benson and senior Malcolm Jones connected on a 3-pointer and an assist at 16:15, adding momentum to the Mavericks' offensive push.

Despite strong defensive plays, including a block from Kirkman at 15:37, Grand Valley State maintained their lead, responding with a series of successful layups and a three-pointer by Antaune Allen at 8:50. Minnesota State continued to fight back with sophomore Joe Buchanan's pair of late 3-pointers, reducing the gap to 24 points.

Grand Valley State edged the Mavericks by outscoring them 36-33 in the half, leveraging a strong performance in the paint with 28 points. Minnesota State struggled from beyond the arc, converting only four of 17 3-point attempts, though they remained effective from the free-throw line, hitting nine of 12 attempts. Despite a competitive effort, Minnesota State entered the final stretch trailing 76-55.

The second half concluded with a burst of scoring from Minnesota State, including a layup by junior David Harmon at 0:50, but the Lakers held onto their advantage, finishing the half with a 76-55 lead.

Kirkman led Minnesota State with 16 points, recording five field goals and converting six free throws, while also collecting nine rebounds and posting two blocks. Lewis added nine points, making seven of eight free throws and securing six rebounds. Harmon contributed with seven points and recorded two steals. Benson tallied nine points, including two 3-pointers, and grabbed two rebounds.

Trevor Smith Jr. led Grand Valley State with 18 points, hitting 8 of 11 shots and contributing two steals. Jalen Charity added 13 points, converting 4 of 11 from the field and 4 of 5 from the line, while securing four rebounds. Ethan Alderink efficiently scored 14 points, making 6 of 7 attempts, including two from beyond the arc. Mason Docks provided strong defensive efforts with two steals and dished out six assists, complementing his four rebounds. Javion Otten was a presence in the paint, registering two blocks alongside four rebounds.

In their next matchup, the Mavericks will take on Chadron State on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. in Stewart Center.