CROOKSTON, Minn. — Minnesota State (14-9, 8-7 NSIC) cruised to an 85-62 win over Minnesota Crookston (4-17, 2-13 NSIC) Friday night at Lysaker Gymnasium. Dominating the boards with a 46-35 rebounding advantage, including a season-high 35 defensive rebounds, the Mavericks secured a commanding victory.

Minnesota State came out strong, racing to a 45-27 lead by halftime. Shooting 41 percent, with six shots from downtown, MSU held Minnesota Crookston to just 29 percent from the field. Owning the glass with a 26-18 edge, the Mavericks added 14 points from the bench. Junior Arhman Lewis sparked the offense with timely scoring, nailing a 3-pointer with 3:41 left in the half, extending their lead. He also dished out eight assists, marking his fourth straight game with at least eight dimes.

Lewis got the Mavericks rolling early with a quick jumper and a pair of free throws. Solid contributions came from freshman Colton Benson, who drained a crucial 3-pointer, and junior Caden Kirkman, who delivered a dunk, keeping the momentum alive. The Mavericks capitalized on opportunities in the paint and from the bench, each adding 14 points. Their streak of at least 11 assists in five consecutive games stayed intact.

Defensively, Minnesota State was a force, recording three blocks and stifling Minnesota-Crookston's shooting. Lewis led a late-half surge, hitting a 3-pointer at 3:41, followed by Carson Schweim's layup, widening the gap. The half closed with Minnesota State firmly in control, up 45-27.

The second half saw Minnesota State extend their lead early, thanks to a series of free throws by Lewis and a tip-in from Benson. The Mavericks kept rolling with Benson's three-pointer at 16:03, further boosting their lead. A dunk from Senior Malcolm Jones and a layup from Kirkman kept the offense humming.

As the half wore on, the Mavericks leveraged their defensive tenacity, with freshman Phoenix Childs and Jones grabbing key boards. Schweim fired back-to-back threes, pushing the lead even further. This game marked the eighth time this season the Mavericks have hit at least 10 three pointers. 

Minnesota State executed a powerful second half, outscoring the Golden Eagles 40-35. They capitalized on their rebounding edge, securing a 20-17 advantage on the boards, and were nearly flawless from the stripe, hitting six of seven free throws. Limiting themselves to just two turnovers, a season best, Lewis orchestrated the offense with five assists, contributing to a sharp shooting night, including four treys. At the final buzzer, the Mavericks claimed an 85-62 victory.

Lewis led the charge with 20 points and eight assists, going a perfect 8-for-8 from the line. Benson added 18 points, connecting on four triples and pulling down six rebounds. Schweim chipped in 13 points, hitting three of four from beyond the arc. Kirkman rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points, two blocks, and six boards.

For the Golden Eagles, Donez Lindsey tallied 14 points on 6-of-14 shooting, alongside four assists and four rebounds. Kazadi Mukoma Jr. added seven points and a team-high seven rebounds, making all four of his free throw attempts. Spencer Swenson contributed 11 points, shooting 50% from the field, with two rebounds and a block. Brayden Carlson scored eight points on 4-of-7 shooting, adding two assists and three rebounds.

Next up, Minnesota State travels to MSU Moorhead on Saturday, with tip-off set for 5:30 p.m. at Nemzek Fieldhouse.