Minnesota State Mankato clinches at least tie for NSIC overall and South titles

Minnesota State Mankato earned a share of the NSIC South Division title and the NSIC overall championship with a 48-27 victory over Wayne State (Neb.) on Saturday in Mankato.

The Mavericks (10-0, 6-0 NSIC South), ranked No. 1 in the AFCA Division II poll, led 27-7 late in the second quarter before the Wildcats pulled within 27-14 at halftime and then tied the score 27-27 early in the fourth quarter.

The Mavericks scored 21 points in the final 8 minutes, 2 seconds for the victory.

Justin Taormina rushed for 203 yards and three TDs for the Mavericks and Ryan Schlichte passed for 160 yards and three TDs.

Minnesota Duluth 54, Minnesota-Crookston 6: John Larson threw three TD passes and ran for a TD as the host Bulldogs (8-2, 6-0) clinched at least a share of their 10th consecutive NSIC North Division title.

Augustana 28, Concordia (St. Paul) 13: Kyle Saddler passed for 302 yards and three TDs to lead the Vikings past the visiting Golden Bears. Ron Johnson passed for a career-high 349 yards and a TD for the Golden Bears.

Bemidji State 17, St. Cloud State 10: Jordan Hein threw a TD pass and rushed for 111 yards to lead the host Beavers (7-3, 5-1 NSIC North) past the Huskies.

Winona State 45, SW Minnesota State 7: The No. 18 Warriors (9-1, 5-1 NSIC South) forced five turnovers in the win over the host Mustangs.

Eureka 63, Martin Luther 26: LeAnthony Reasnover rushed for 252 yards and seven TDs as the Red Devils (8-2. 8-1 UMAC) clinched the UMAC title in New Ulm.

MacMurray 34, St. Scholastica 26: MacMurray outscored the host Saints 20-6 in the final 12 minutes for the victory.

Northwestern 24, Crown 7: Nate VanBeusekom ran for two touchdowns to lead the host Eagles past the Storm.