MARSHALL, Minn. — So, guess who safely made it to the arena Thursday afternoon?
Minnesota State men’s basketball hit the road and lost 78-66 to Southwest Minnesota State.
MSU (7-7, 1-5 NSIC) recorded 35 rebounds and five blocks, while the Mustangs secured the victory with 16 steals and 27 bench points.
The Mavericks opened the first half with a strong presence in the paint, scoring 18 points from inside. Junior Caden Kirkman initiated the scoring with an early layup, setting the stage for a back-and-forth battle. The visiting team kept pace with contributions from junior Traijan Sain and sophomore Will Opsahl, who capitalized on defensive rebounds to keep the pressure on Southwest Minnesota State.
Despite facing tight defense, MSU managed to edge ahead multiple times, supported by a 3-pointer from freshman Colton Benson that cut the deficit to one point. But turnovers proved costly, allowing the Mustangs to gain momentum. As the half approached its close, MSU trailed by seven, carrying a 34–27 deficit into halftime.
Southwest Minnesota State forced 12 turnovers and converted them into 12 points. Despite a 20-13 rebounding advantage and 18 points in the paint, the Mavericks trailed due to the Mustangs’ efficiency from beyond the arc, making four 3-pointers.
MSU opened the second half with a quick tip-in by Opsahl, narrowing the gap to five. Despite multiple defensive stops including blocks from Kirkman and senior Malcolm Jones, The Mavericks struggled to maintain momentum as Southwest Minnesota State capitalized on turnovers and extended their lead with a series of successful shots from beyond the arc and in the paint.
Midway through the half MSU began to make a push, highlighted by a 3-pointer from senior Chase Bartlett and a steal and score sequence from Sain, which tied the game at 54. The Mustangs responded with a run that included a 3-pointer and a layup, retaking control.
In the closing minutes, MSU’s effort to close the deficit included key free throws and a late layup by Kirkman, but the Mustangs maintained their lead with consistent scoring and forced turnovers. The period concluded with the Mustangs on top 78-66.
Southwest Minnesota State pulled away with a 44-39 advantage over Minnesota State in the second half, fueled by ball control and bench contributions. The Mustangs capitalized on turnovers, scoring 10 points off the visiting team’s seven giveaways, while their bench outscored Minnesota State’s reserves 18-5. Despite MSU converting 14 of 15 free throws and leading in blocks with four, they were unable to close the gap, ending the half trailing 78-66.
Sain led the Mavericks with a season-high 23 points, converting all nine of his free throw attempts and adding two steals. Opsahl contributed 13 points, including two 3-pointers, and collected five rebounds. Kirkman recorded seven points and six rebounds while blocking two shots. Freshman AJ Bender added four points and two blocks, providing defensive support.
Mekhi Shaw led the Mustangs with 23 points, shooting 10 of 14 from the field, including 3 of 5 from beyond the arc, and recorded six steals. Micah Schlaak contributed 16 points and three blocks, while also matching Shaw’s six steals. Jakob Braaten added 11 points and distributed six assists. Mason Lund scored 13 points, converting all three of his 3-point attempts and collecting two steals.
MSU travels to face Sioux Falls at 3 p.m. Saturday.