Men’s basketball handles Crown College with ease

Jenna Peterson
Staff Writer

The Minnesota State Mavericks men’s basketball team hosted Crown College in a one-sided victory Saturday afternoon. The Mavericks are now 2-2 on the season and are victorious in their last two games.

The Mavericks were able to gain a quick 20-7 lead with 14:04 left in the first half and continued to dominate come halftime, leading 62-27. In the opening half, Minnesota State shot 27-of-42 (.643) from the field. The second half wasn’t any different, as the Mavericks outscored Crown 55-33 on their way to a 117-60 win. The Mavericks shot 19-of-37 (.514) from the field in the second half, compared to Crown’s 13-of-36 (.361).

Four Mavericks scored in double digits, with freshman forward Ryland Holt leading with 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting. 

Freshman guard Malik Willingham ended with 17 points, going 6-of-12 from the field. Freshman guard Corvon Seales and senior Cameron Kirksey added 16 points each. 

Sophomore Kelby Kramer brought in a game-high 11 rebounds and senior Carter Asche hauled in seven rebounds of his own. 

Junior Jamal Nixon also had a game-high seven assists and four steals. 

Altogether, the Mavericks shot 58.2% and controlled the inside, scoring 62 of their points inside the paint. Minnesota State held a 49-32 rebounding advantage and their defense created 20 turnovers and capitalized with 30 points off those. 

For Crown College, sophomore Cole Anderson and senior Timothy Wendel led the team with 11 points each, while junior David Jones scored 10 points and brought in five rebounds. 

Crown College shot 34.3% from the field, including a 5-of-27 (.185) showing from long range.

Minnesota State will travel to Denver, Colorado to take part in the Hilton Garden Inn Denver Cherry Creek Classic. The Mavericks will begin the tournament on Friday against Regis University.

Header photo: Minnesota State guard Malik Willingham (2) goes for a layup during a game against Crown College at the Taylor Center Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019 in Mankato, Minn. (Mansoor Ahmad/MSU Reporter)