Box Score MANKATO, Minn. --- The No. 15 Minnesota State men's basketball team opened the first round of the NSIC Tournament Wednesday in decisive fashion as it defeated the Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles 76-60.

With the win, MSU improves to 26-4 on the season, while Minnesota Crookston ends its season with a 4-25 record.

The Mavericks saw a trio of players reach double figures, including junior Assem Marei, who tallied his 16th career double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, to go along with five blocks. Senior Tanner Adler notched a team-high 19 points, while senior Gage Wooten posted 14 points and nine rebounds.

As a team, MSU shot 42.4% from the field. The Mavericks controlled the boards as they brought down 47 rebounds compared to 36 for the Golden Eagles. The Mavericks also posted 12 blocks, matching their previous single-game record set against MSU-Moorhead back in the 2004-05 season.

Tyler West led UMC with 20 points, while Brandon Burns dropped in 11 points.
 
The first half saw UMC lead through the first 7:34, as it led by as many as six points. The Mavericks finally took the lead for good after a dunk from junior Assem Marei at 11:28 to put MSU up 13-12. MSU finished the half on a 29-11 run as it took a 42-23 lead into the locker room.

Marei led all scorers in the first half with 12 points, to go along with eight rebounds. Senior Tanner Adler dropped in nine points off a 3-of-4 showing from three point land.

As a team, MSU shot 16-of-31 (.516) from the field in the first half. The Mavericks also outrebounded the Golden Eagles 26-12 in the opening session, to go along with eight assists and five blocks.  

The Mavericks led by at least 16 points throughout the entire second half as they cruised to a 76-60 victory.

The Mavericks take on Augustana in the second round of the NSIC Tournament Saturday. The opening tip is set for 8:30 p.m.

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