ST. CLOUD, Minn. --- Minnesota State picked up its 15th NSIC victory of the season Saturday evening as the Mavericks bested St. Cloud State 70-52 at Halenbeck Hall.

With the win, MSU improves to 19-10 on the season, including a 15-6 NSIC record. With the loss, SCSU drops to 18-11, including a 14-7 conference record.

MSU is now in a three-way tie for first place in the NSIC standings along with Concordia-St. Paul and Southwest Minnesota State. Should the Mavericks defeat MSU Moorhead on Saturday, MSU will earn at least a share of the NSIC regular season championship and a first-round bye in the NSIC Tournament.

"Tonight was a total team effort," head coach Matt Margenthalert said. "I thought our defensive effort was as good as it's been all year long. We need 40 more minutes of that."

The first half saw the Mavericks hold the lead for more than 17 minutes as the Mavericks led by as many as 14 points. MSU jumped out in front 11-4 in the first four minutes of the game, with six points coming on three straight baskets from sophomore Caden Kirkman. The Huskies managed to get back within a basket at 15-12, but MSU answered with an 8-0 run, including five points from senior Justin Eagins, to increase its lead to 11 at 23-12 with 9:33 to go in the half.

Minnesota State outscored St. Cloud State 16-13 in the final 9:13 of the first half as it carried a 39-25 lead into halftime. Senior Kyreese Willingham netted seven points in the closing minutes of the first half, while senior Harrison Braudis tallied five.
Willingham led all scorers in the first half with 14 points and three blocks, while freshman Will Opsahl tallied eight points. Eagins recorded seven assists also. As a unit, MSU shot 14-of-26 (.538) from the field in the first half, including a 4-of-9 (.444) performance from downtown. The Mavericks also passed out 11 assists.

Lee Marks III led the Huskies in the first half with six points and three rebounds, while Lucas Morgan tallied five points. As a team, SCSU shot 11-of-31 (.355) from the field in the opening stanza.

The second half saw the Mavericks lead by at least 15 points the whole way as the Mavericks went on the secure the 70-52. The win at Halenbeck Hall marks Minnesota State's sixth straight road win over the Huskies dating back to the 2018-19 season.
Willingham finished his day with 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Eagins added 17 points of his own, while matching her career-high in assists with nine. Kirkman added 10 points and eight rebounds also, while Opsahl scored 10 points as well.

As a team, MSU shot 26-of-52 (.500) from the field, including a 9-of-21 (.429) showing from long range, The Mavericks hauled in 37 rebounds and passed out 19 assists.

Marks III led the Huskies with 11 points and six rebounds. Kynan Philippe added nine points and five rebounds as well.

As a unit, SCSU shot 19-of-57 (.333) from the field. The Huskies also hauled in 33 rebounds.

Minnesota State wraps up its regular season schedule on the road this Saturday at MSU Moorhead. Tip-off between the Mavericks and Dragons is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.