SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — It was a solid start.
The Minnesota State football team opened with a 12-play, 62-yard drive, which ended with a 3-0 MSU lead after a 36-yard field goal from Matthew Jaeger.
Not much went right after that, as the Mavericks eventually fell to Augustana 51-24 in the first round of the NCAA tournament Saturday. The two NSIC rivals played a regular-season game at Sioux Falls in October, with the Vikings winning that contest 28-10.
Following the successful field goal, MSU’s next five drives each ended in turnovers, including four interceptions. The Mavericks trailed 17-3 at halftime.
Augustana led 37-3 at the end of the third quarter, before MSU scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
MSU quarterback Hayden Ekern went 26 of 44 for 261 passing yards with two touchdowns and five picks. Ekern added 45 rushing yards on eight carries.
TreShawn Watson made eight catches for 96 yards for the Mavericks, while Isaiah Emanuel had seven receptions for 84 yards.
MSU finishes the season at 9-3.
This story will be updated later.
Follow Kevin Dudley on Twitter @Dudley7Kevin.