Men’s basketball splits series against Cougars and Mustangs

De’Vonte Bradley
Staff Writer

The Minnesota State Mavericks men’s basketball team completed their weekend road trip with a record of 1-1. On Jan. 10, they went head-to-head with Sioux Falls.

The two teams played a very competitive first half of basketball, neither team pulling away by no more than nine points. The Mavericks finished the first half in control of the game, leading 36-32, with great help from sophomore Kelby Kramer, who scored 11 points and snatched down six rebounds.

Sioux Falls senior forward Devin Green was a big help scoring a total of eight points in the first half. Things took a turn in the second half for the Mavericks. MSU lead most of the game, but Sioux Falls came back strong to eventually tie the score at 59-59 with over five minutes left in the game.

Sioux Falls had a big 8-0 run to take the 67-61 lead with 2:36 to go in the game. Unfortunately, MSU could not do overcome the deficit, as the Cougars closed out a 71-64 win. Senior Cameron Kirksey led MSU with 16 points and four rebounds, with Kramer adding 11 points and eight boards. Senior Kevin Krieger also added 11 points and dished out four assists.

Collectively, MSU shot only 23-of-49 from the field, along with 11 team assists and 26 boards.

Minnesota State got their redemption, as they defeated the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs. The Mavericks were in full attack, leading the entire game. The Mustangs showed some fight, keeping the game within 10 points. Kirksey finished the game with a team-high 15 points and added five rebounds. Kramer scored nine points and had 15 boards.

As a team, MSU grabbed 38 rebounds and shot 16-of-20 from the free throw line. With the win, The Mavericks record is now 8-8, with a 6-4 NSIC record. MSU will continue their road trip on Friday as they take on the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs.

Header photo: Minnesota State forward Cameron Kirksey (21) lays the ball up against Crown College at the Taylor Center Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019 in Mankato, Minn. (Mansoor Ahmad/MSU Reporter)