The win marked the 65th 100-plus point game in program history for Minnesota State and the 22nd under head coach Matt Margenthaler.
Additionally, the 44 points allowed marked the fewest allowed by MSU since it downed Domincian, 81-44, Nov. 18, 2006 in the Pepsi Tip-Off.
The Mavericks opened the game with a 16-4 run over the first four minutes and 25 seconds, forcing a Eureka timeout. During that time, the Mavericks blocked four of the first five Red Devil field goal attempts and held EC to just 2-of-8 shooting.
On the other end of the court, the Mavericks were hit on six of its first seven attempts. All five starters contributed to the scoring run to start the game led by senior guard Marcus Hill's six points, both of which came via the three-point shot.
The run continued with five new Mavericks on the floor as MSU opened a 24-4 lead with 13:06 left in the half.
The Mavericks maintained its lead throughout the first half as it opened a 58-25 halftime advantage. Minnesota State shot a scorched the nets in the first 20 minutes, connecting on 63.9 percent of its opportunities while limiting the Red Devils to 31 percent from the floor. The Mavericks converted 12 Eureka turnovers into 16 points and outscored EC 34-8 in the opening half.
In all 11 Mavericks scored in the first half – and all 12 which suited up played - led by senior guard Cameron Hodges’ 12 points.
“I was happy with some things we did tonight,” said Margenthaler. “It was great to get our bench some valuable minutes and game experience. That being said, we have a lot to work on next week as we get ready for league play to open.”
The second half played much like the first as the Mavericks closed out the game.
In all, 11 Mavericks played 10 minutes or more. Additionally, all 12 players reached the scoring column for the Mavericks led by redshirt freshman Jimmy Whitehead’s team-high 17 points.
Eight Mavericks joined Whitehead in double digits, including, Hill (14), senior Andre Gilbert(13), redshirt freshman Connor O'Brien (13), Hodges (12), junior Stephen Kirschbaum (10), freshman Alex Hanks (10), senior Jefferson Mason (10) and senior Joe Drapcho (10).
The Mavericks finished the game shooting 62.7 from the floor, a season-high. MSU owned the battle of the boards, 45-27, including 15-11 on the offensive end.
MSU forced 23 turnovers in the win, converting them into 38 points. Offensively the Mavericks turned the ball over just three times.
Minnesota State finished the night outscoring the Red Devils, 68-18 in the paint, 67-10 off the bench and 23-9 off offensive rebounds.
Minnesota State (4-0) begins its quest to defend its 2009-10 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championship next weekend as it opens the league season Friday against Wayne State. Tip is set for 8 p.m., in the Taylor Center on the campus of Minnesota State University.
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