MANKATO, Minn. – A late-game push from Minnesota State paved the way to a 78-67 win over Northern State in men’s college basketball Friday night.

The Wolves hung tough during the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference contest and trailed by just one point at the half.

NSU jumped in front to start the second half on a basket from Joshua Book, who scored 14 of his 19 points in the final 20 minutes.

The Mavericks regained the lead and pulled away down the stretch to secure the victory.

Northern trailed by just six points before Minnesota State hit a 3-pointer with 2:13 remaining. The Wolves went scoreless from the 1:52 mark until Book hit a layup as time expired.

Simon Akena added 15 points to the NSU total, followed by James Glenn with 11. Tobi Obiora had a team-high nine rebounds.

Northern, 7-12 overall and 7-6 in the NSIC, plays at St. Cloud State at 4 this afternoon.

To see a complete box score of Friday’s contest, click on the following link:

https://nsuwolves.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2025-26/minnesota-state/boxscore/14122