Men’s basketball continues streak

The Mavericks are now tied for third in the NSIC

The Mavericks men’s basketball team played three games this past week, something out of the ordinary for them.

You would expect that a team that plays three games in a week would show signs of slowing down, but not this team. Minnesota State finished the week with three resounding wins against Concordia – St. Paul, Minnesota – Crookston, and Bemidji State.

The Mavs faced Concordia in St. Paul on Tuesday. The game was not a very close one, as the Mavericks would end up being victorious by a final score of 95-66.

Kevin Krieger led all scorers with 18 total points. Chris Kendrix recorded his third double-double of the season, with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Carlos Anderson added a spark of electricity off the bench for the Mavs by scoring 11 points.

Minnesota State returned to Mankato on Friday for a matchup against the University of Minnesota – Crookston. This was a much closer affair, as the Mavericks escaped with a narrow 80-78 victory.

With eight seconds remaining in the game, Gable Smith knocked down a three-pointer for Crookston to tie the game at 78. Charlie Brown would be the Maverick who would step up, as he converted on lay-up as time expired to give Minnesota State the 80-78 victory.

Crookston was led by Harrison Cleary. Cleary finished the game with a jaw-dropping 46 points. Gable Smith also contributed for Crookston, as he went home with an 11 point and 12 rebound double-double.

The Mavericks were led in scoring by Kevin Krieger and Chris Hendrix, both of whom scored 20 points. Chris Hendrix also pulled down 10 rebounds, to give him his fourth double-double of the season. Cameron Kirksey also recorded a double-double, his first of the season. Kirksey would finish the game with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

The Mavericks faced off on Saturday against the Beavers from Bemidji State. The Mavericks would be victorious, defeating the Beavers by a final score of 87-70.

Kevin Krieger recorded his second double-double of the season, finishing the contest with 30 points and 10 rebounds. Chris Hendrix would come up just short from his third double-double in three games, finishing with 14 points and nine rebounds. Carlos Anderson also added 10 points from the bench.

With these three victories, the Mavericks have climbed into a tie for the first overall position in the NSIC with Northern State. The Mavericks have an overall record of 18-4, including an in-conference record of 14-2.

The Mavs will look to become the sole leaders of the NSIC this weekend when they travel to Minnesota – Duluth on Friday and St. Cloud State on Saturday.

The Bulldogs from Duluth have an overall record of 9-12. A potential source of hope that the Bulldogs will be looking to hold onto is the fact that they are 5-3 at home this season.

Meanwhile, the Mavs are on a red hot six game winning streak.

The matchup on Saturday against the Huskies of St. Cloud will prove to be a difficult one. The Huskies hold a conference record of 11-4, including an overall record of 15-6. The Huskies are also 8-2 at home this season.