BISMARCK, ND – Keith Hunter scored 17 points and Connor Hellebust had a career-high 14 in the University of Mary men's basketball loss to Minnesota State University. The Marauders made a couple runs at the visiting Northern Sun South division leaders but UMary couldn't match Minnesota State's torrid shooting in an 80-64 loss.
 
Hunter had a solid night on the floor, making 7-of-13 shots and converting a couple treys. Hellebust came off the bench and connected on 3-of-5 shots behind the arc and all three of his free throws. The redshirt freshman also distributed three assists.
 
Wyatt Carr added 10 points off the bench as the freshman made a pair of treys and added three rebounds.
 
Cameron Kirksey led Minnesota State with 26 points and seven rebounds. Chris Kendrix had a perfect shooting night and scored 21 points. He was 5-for-5 on treys, hit all six of his field goal attempts and made all four free throws.
 


The Mavericks shot an impressive 62.2 percent from the field and went 12-of-17 on treys. MSU was also 12-of-15 at the line.
 
The Marauders converted 43.1 percent of their shots and finished 8-of-22 on treys.
 
UMary played in front early, building an 18-13 lead behind a Carr trey and a Hunter layup on consecutive possessions. A Matthew Kreklow basket gave the Marauders their last lead of the day at 25-24. Minnesota State closed out the opening half on a 19-5 run to claim a 43-30 lead at intermission.
 
Trailing by as many as 15 points, UMary closed the deficit to 66-62 as Michael Gorder and Jaylan White hit baskets on consecutive possessions. Allowing the Marauders no closer, the Mavericks finished the night on a 14-2 run.
 
The Marauders next visit Minnesota Crookston and Bemidji State on January 19-20.
 
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