Jefferson Mason put up 25 points and pulled down 9 rebounds as Minnesota State defeated Metro State 69-65 in the semifinals of the NCAA central region tournament.The first half was marred by bad shooting from both teams. Minnesota State shot only 31% from the field while Metro State didn't fair any better, shooting only 30%. With both teams struggling, neither team had a chance to make a significant run. Metro State claimed the largest lead of the first half when they went up 22-17 on two Shakir Johnson free throws. The Mavericks were able to come back and tie the game at 27-27 heading into halftime.
The second half started off much like the first. Both team traded buckets, with neither taking a decisive advantage through the first ten minutes of the second half. The turning point in the game came when Taylor Marrow drained a three pointer with 12:12 left to tie the game at 44-44. Morrow's bucket brought both the home crowd, and MSU's offense to life. The Mavericks then went on a 12-2 run, turning a five point deficit into a five point lead.Metro State continued to battle and had a chance to tie the game with 14 seconds left as Reggie Evans stepped to the freethrow line for the Roadrunners. Evans then missed both free throw attempts. Jefferson Mason pulled down his ninth rebound and was fouled to seal the victory for MSU. Jefferson Mason added two free throws to finish the game with 25 points, and extend the Mavericks lead to the eventual final of 69-65.
The Mavericks will now move on to face Fort Lewis in the central region championship game on Tuesday night at 7:00pm. Of course we'll have that for you right here on AM 1230 The Fan Mankato. Also, don't miss the MSU coach's show with Matt Margenthaler Monday night at 7:00pm live from Buffalo Wild Wings in downtown Mankato.
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