MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State (7-5, 1-3 NSIC) secured a 71-60 victory over Wayne State (5-5, 1-3 NSIC) on Thursday night at Taylor Center. The Mavericks capitalized on free-throw opportunities, converting 22-of-29 attempts, to edge past the visitors.

Minnesota State opened the first half with a score by junior Traijan Sain at 19:08, quickly equalizing after Wayne State's initial basket. They established momentum with a 9–0 run, highlighted by a three-pointer from senior Chase Bartlett at 13:29, and maintained their advantage with effective free-throw shooting and defensive rebounds. Sophomore Will Opsahl's back-to-back three-pointers further extended their lead to 17–9 at the 10:13 mark. A late-period effort by senior Malcolm Jones, who converted an offensive rebound into a dunk, kept the Mavericks ahead. Despite a late scoring push from Wayne State, the Mavericks ended the half leading 30–29.

Minnesota State began the second half with a defensive stand as Sain's steal set up a fast-break dunk by junior Caden Kirkman, opening a scoring push. The Mavericks capitalized on turnovers and controlled the pace with key defensive stops, including Jones's block and subsequent defensive rebound. This allowed them to maintain momentum and briefly recapture the lead multiple times throughout the half.

Midway through the half, the Mavericks continued to find success inside, with Kirkman and Sain contributing crucial baskets to keep the game locked as both teams exchanged leads. Despite Wayne State pulling ahead briefly, the Mavericks responded with a pair of 3-pointers from Kirkman, assisted by Sain, regaining a slender advantage. In the final minutes, Minnesota State executed efficiently on both ends. Opsahl's jumper extended the lead, while Sain and Kirkman made decisive free throws to seal the half. The Mavericks closed the second half strong, outscoring Wayne State 41–31, ending with a 71–60 advantage.

Opsahl scored 19 points, making 7-of-11 shots from the field and adding two steals. Kirkman added 16 points, converting 5-of-8 attempts and securing three rebounds. Jones recorded with 11 rebounds and eight points, while also collecting three blocks and two steals. Sain posted 13 points and led the team with five assists, contributing six rebounds and three steals.

Andrew Stokes led the Wildcats with 14 points, shooting 6-for-11 from the field, and contributed two steals. Aurrion Harris impressed with a game-high 12 rebounds and added three steals, showcasing his defensive abilities. Matt Noll recorded 10 points and made an impact with two blocks, while Darshan Thomas added 11 points, hitting five field goals and grabbing six rebounds.

In their next game, Minnesota State will host Augustana at Taylor Center on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. CT.