MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State (16-9, 10-7 NSIC) battled past Sioux Falls (12-11, 9-8 NSIC) with a thrilling 98-95 win Thursday night at Bresnan Arena. Despite being down by two at the half, MSU's 13 three-pointers paved the way for their ninth straight victory, keeping their hot streak alive.

Minnesota State hit the ground running, thanks to freshman Phoenix Childs' early pair of threes, securing an early lead. The defense was on point, with freshman Colton Benson making key plays, including a block and a defensive board, while senior Malcolm Jones chipped in two free throws to widen the gap. Arhman Lewis and Caden Kirkman were sharp on offense, driving the team to a 23-14 lead midway through the first half. Sioux Falls fought back, leveling the score at 41 with layups and threes. The Mavericks kept pushing with crucial contributions from junior Traijan Sain and sophomore Will Opsahl, regaining a slim edge. Still, Sioux Falls managed to snag a 52-50 lead by halftime.

Minnesota State showed their shooting strength early, making eight of 14 from beyond the arc to counter Sioux Falls' 26 points in the paint. The Mavericks' defense shone, recording a season-high six blocks and keeping turnovers to just one, contributing to a tight contest with five ties and four lead changes. By halftime, MSU trailed 52-50.

In the second half, the Mavericks quickly evened the score at 54 with a Jones layup. The team then executed a series of strategic plays, including a big dunk by Jones at 17:08, to regain the lead. Opsahl's three-pointer at 14:48 extended the advantage, showcasing the team's perimeter prowess. MSU kept momentum with solid free-throw shooting, including key shots from Benson, whose three-pointer at 3:21 put the Mavericks back on top at 87-86. Lewis' clutch three at 0:46, followed by decisive free throws from Sain and Lewis, sealed the victory. MSU outscored the Cougars 48-43 in a nail-biting second half to wrap up the 98-95 win.

In a back-and-forth second half, the Mavericks outpaced the Cougars 48-43, navigating multiple lead changes and ties. MSU capitalized on turnovers with five steals, converting them into crucial points, and excelled at the free-throw line, sinking a season-high 25 free throws. They maintained their perfect record of 7-0 this season when shooting 50% or better from the field. Sioux Falls stayed in the game with 22 points in the paint and strong bench contributions, but the Mavericks' consistent shooting, including five three-pointers, clinched the narrow win. At the final buzzer, MSU stood victorious at 98-95.

Benson led the charge with a season-high 27 points, hitting 8-of-11 from the field and five of six from downtown. Lewis dished out a team-high 14 assists, adding nine points and four boards. Opsahl contributed 16 points, hitting 5-of-10 shots and three from beyond the arc, marking his second consecutive game with at least 16 points. Kirkman also posted 16 points, with two blocks and converting six of 10 shots.

For Sioux Falls, Brogan Madson dropped 27 points, hitting seven of 13 shots, including three from deep, and 10 of 13 free throws. Brandon Hrncir added 23 points, making all eight of his free throws and seven of 15 field goals. Gerard Bosch had a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds, plus a block and a steal. Kyle Ingwerson facilitated with five assists and added eight points.

Next up, the Mavericks host Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday at 3 p.m. in Taylor Center.