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BOX SCORE

A Sam Elgin three-pointer capped off a Peacock rally that saw the home team eclipse a 19-point margin over the final eight minutes of regulation, but the Mavericks, fueled by eight points at the free throw line, outscored their hosts 16-11 in overtime to claim the 98-93 NSIC victory. 

Upper Iowa (7-12, 4-11 NSIC) had the momentum heading into the overitme period, but Minnesota State (7-12, 6-9 NSIC) hit all three of their field goals in the extra time including a pair of three-pointers, while UIU hit three of their six attempts, but only got to the line six times in overtime converting four of the chances.

The Mavericks offense was on fire in the first half putting 51 points on the scoreboard thanks to 68% shooting from the field.  MSU also added 14 points at the charity stripe in the opening 20 minutes, while the Peacocks shot 45.7%, but only attempted five free throws, of which they converted all.  Brad Arnold led the home team in the first half with nine points and a steal.

In the second half, Upper Iowa got within seven, 58-51, with 12:30 to play, but Minnesota State put together a 14-2 run over the next four and a half minutes that saw the gap balloon to 19 points, 72-53.  The Peacocks committed three turnovers during the run, while the Mavericks shot four of five from the field.

Upper Iowa made a stand and picked up their defensive pressure in the full court once again and it sparked their offense.  UIU rallied to cut the gap to six, 72-66, thanks to a 13-0 run that was fueled by seven points from Jake Hughes.

The home team continued to push back and got within three on their final possession of regulation when Elgin shot faked and took one dribble to his left and nailed a three-pointer with a second on the clock to knot the score at 82-82.

In the overtime period, MSU knocked in a trifecta with just over a minute to play to build a six-point advantage, but UIU answered quickly with a three to cut the margin in half.  The Mavericks hit four of their final eight free throws and held on for a 98-93 victory.

The Mavericks shot 63% from the field for the game and converted 33 of their 50 free throw opportunities, while the Peacocks shot 44.3% from the floor and made 22 of their 27 free throws.