Minnesota State Mankato rallied from a 14-point halftime deficit for a 31-21 NSIC victory over host Winona State on Saturday.
The Mavericks (4-0), ranked No. 1 in the d2football.com poll, outscored the Warriors 24-0 in the second half to earn their 17th consecutive conference victory.
The Mavericks were led by Nate Gunn's three second-half rushing touchdowns.
Gunn, who finished with 126 rushing yards, scored on a 10-yard run early in the third quarter to pull the Mavericks within 21-13. He then scored on runs of 2 and 7 yards in the fourth quarter.
Both of those fourth-quarter scoring drives by the Mavericks started after interceptions.
Owen Burke passed for 257 yards and a touchdown to lead the Warriors (2-2).
St. Cloud State 19, Northern State 14: John Pass caught a 35-yard touchdown pass from Justin Czech with 4 minutes, 42 seconds left to rally the Huskies in Aberdeen, S.D. Following the touchdown, which was the last score of the game, the Huskies forced the Wolves to punt on their ensuing possession. The Huskies had possession for the final 3:45. Curtwan Evans rushed for 140 yards. The Huskies defense limited the Wolves to 143 yards on offense — including 2 yards rushing — and nine first downs.
SW Minnesota State 21, Upper Iowa 20: Blake Gimbel passed for 252 yards and three touchdowns to help the Mustangs outlast the visiting Peacocks and end an 11-game losing streak dating to last season. Max Simmons rushed for 154 yards for the Mustangs (1-3).
