Rochester, Minn. --- The #7 Minnesota State men’s basketball team claimed the NSIC Tournament championship Saturday evening with a thrilling 73-68 win over the Bemidji State Beavers.

With the win, MSU improved to 26-4 on the season, while Bemidji State fell to 18-12. With the win, the Mavericks claimed an automatic bid to the NCAA Central Region Tournament.

The Mavericks found themselves playing catch up through most of the second half. Bemidji State held on to the lead through the first 11 minutes of the second half, but a layup from sophomore Assem Marei at the 8:23 mark gave MSU the lead at 59-58.

BSU reclaimed the lead on its next possession, but the Mavericks took the lead for good after a field goal from senior Jarvis Williams with 4:36 left in the game.  Some clutch free throws from Williams and sophomore Jaymeson Moten iced the game for the Mavericks as they claimed the 73-68 win.

Williams, who was named the NSIC Tournament MVP, led MSU in scoring with his second straight 20-point game. He finished 7-of-14 (.500) from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 from the charity stripe, to go along with seven rebounds.

2013 NSIC/Sanford Health All-Tournament Team
Mason Walters, Dermaine Crockrell, Assem Marei, Jarvis Williams (MVP), Connor O'Brein

Marei added 19 points and seven rebounds, while junior Connor O'Brien posted 11 points and seven rebounds. Both Marei and O’Brien were named to the NSIC All-Tournament Team.

As a team, MSU shot 27-of-59 (.458) from the field and 15-of-18 (.833) from the line. The Mavericks also brought down 38 rebounds.

Lance Rongstad finished with a team-high 20 points for the Beavers, while Mason Walters dropped in 19 points.

Minnesota State opened the first half on an 11-0 run, with seven of the points coming from O’Brien. MSU led by 10 at 20-10 with 7:38 left in the half, but the Beavers would close out the first half on a 24-13 run to take a 34-33 lead into the locker room.

Marei led the MSU offense with 10 points in the first half to go along with four rebounds. O’Brien tallied nine points and six rebounds, while Williams added eight points and two assists.

Dermaine Crockrell led the Beavers with nine points in the first half, while Walters posted eight points.

Minnesota State will learn postseason fate Sunday during the NCAA Selection Show at 9:30 p.m.

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