In a battle of two of the top teams in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, the Southwest Minnesota State University Mustangs had their worst performance of the season.

SMSU, ranked No. 11 nationally, had 21 turnovers against the No. 22 Mavericks, who won 82-64. It was just the third time the Mustangs have had 20 or more turnovers in the last three-plus seasons.

"I think it was unfortunate because I think they beat at us at our own game," SMSU head coach Brad Bigler said. "They outworked us and were a smarter, tougher basketball team throughout the night. They were ready to play. They came out with a lot more energy than we did."

The Mustangs (4-1, 0-1 NSIC) trailed the Mavericks (7-0, 1-0 NSIC) throughout the entire game.

MSU went on a 13-4 run early to build a 21-11 lead and had a 42-30 advantage at the half.

SMSU edged closer to the Mavericks in the second half and pulled to within 43-38 with 17 minutes left after a layup by Lavoine West, but that was as close as the Mustangs would get.

MSU went on a 10-2 run over the next 2:45 to regain a comfortable advantage. The Mavericks went on a 13-1 spurt a little later in the half and their lead ballooned to 66-46. MSU didn't let up after that.

The Mavericks shot 53.4 percent from the field, while SMSU shot 41.8 percent.

MSU had four players score in double figures. Jesse Clark led all scorers with 19 points and Travis Nelson scored 14 points and controlled the paint with three blocks.

SMSU only had one player reach double figures. Scott Roehl had 11 points off the bench, while Nick Dale and Andrew Peschong each had nine.

Bigler said the game came down to the Mavericks just being more focused than the Mustangs.

"The turnovers were a result of their pressure defense and us just making uncharacteristic mistakes," Bigler said. "We were throwing to guys who weren't even looking or we threw it out of bounds out of a set that we've run numerous times."

The Mustangs have had some players sit out of practice with minor injuries to start the season, which Bigler said may be a reason his team came out slow. He said some things are going to have to change for the Mustangs to improve.

"This was our first game away from our home court and an opportunity for the guys to get out and play in a competitive game," Bigler said. "We've got a lot to lot to learn and it all comes down to practice. We need to be a more consistent practice team. We've had some guys sit out practice to start the season and we need to learn how to play through some of those sore muscles and bruises."

Things won't get much easier for the Mustangs as they take on Division I opponent South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D., Tuesday at 7 p.m.

SMSU (64)

Kevin Andrews 1-3 0-0 2, Nick Dale 3-8 3-4 9, Jordan Miller 3-8 3-4 7, DeAnthony Zanders 2-5 2-4 8, Andrew Peschong 2-5 4-6 9, Trent Carlson 1-1 0-0 3, Jon DeRock 2-4 1-2 5, Taylor Huseby 1-3 2-2 4, Scott Roehl 5-12 1-2 11, Lavione West 3-6 0-0 6. Totals 23-55 13-20 64.

MSU (82)

Travis Nelson 6-11 2-2 13, Curt Greeley 1-2 0-0 2, Jesse Clark 7-10 3-6 19, Jermain Davis 4-8 3-4 12, Joe Drapcho 2-6 2-2 7, Marcus Hill 2-5 2-4 7, Mason Jefferson 7-11 3-5 17, Stephen Kirschbaum 0-1 0-0 0, Taylor Marrow 2-4 0-0 4. Totals 31-58 15-23 82.

Three-pointers-SMSU 5 (Zanders 2), MSU 5 (Clark 2); Rebounds-SMSU 34 (Dale 9), MSU 32 (Nelson 9); Assists-SMSU 7 (Andrews 2, Peschong 2), MSU 12 (Hill 6); Blocks-SMSU 3 (Dale 3), MSU 6 (Nelson 3); Steals-SMSU 7 (Peschong 3), MSU 6 (Mason 4); Turnovers-SMSU 21, MSU 11.

Halftime Score-SMSU 30, MSU 42