The No. 16 Mavericks of Minnesota State University, Mankato knocked down 10 three-pointers in the first half of Saturday's game against Upper Iowa on the way to a 97-68 win over the Peacocks. The decision pushed MSU's record to 9-0 overall and 3-0 in the NSIC while UIU falls to 5-4 overall and 2-1 in the conference.

MSU cruised to a 24-point lead at halftime behind great shooting and tough defense. The Mavericks shot 55% from the floor in the first 20 minutes including 67% (10-15) from three. While the home team's offense was in control, the defense was holding UIU to 36% from the field and 11% from three. The halftime hole was too deep for UIU to climb out of in the second half as the Peacocks fell on the road. 

Nick Reid and Lucas Duax led the Peacocks in scoring with 16 and 15 points, respectively. Reid added a team-high 9 rebounds. 

Malik Willingham paced the Mavericks with 30 points highlighted by six triples. Kyreese Willingham added 14 points behind three makes from beyond the arc.  

Upper Iowa will host a pair of NSIC South Division games next Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9 and 10. The Peacocks welcome the University of Sioux Falls and Southwest Minnesota State University to Dorman Memorial Gymnasium.