MANKATO — MSU Mankato fell behind by seven points in the game's first minute before grinding out a 63-21 victory over Midwestern State in the Division II Super Region 4 semifinals on Saturday.
The Mavericks (13-0), the No. 2 seed in the region, will play host to Texas A&M-Commerce next Saturday. The Lions advanced by rallying from a 28-7 deficit to defeat top-seeded Central Washington 34-31 in two overtimes on Saturday in Ellensburg, Wash.
After Midwestern State of Wichita Falls, Texas, went 75 yards in three plays to take a 7-0 lead 48 seconds into the game, the Mavericks scored on their first three possessions to take an 18-7 lead.
The Mavericks extended the lead to 25-7 at halftime and then scored on their first five possessions of the second half to open a 56-14 lead early in the fourth quarter.
Nate Gunn rushed for 193 yards and two touchdowns and Justin Taormina for 134 yards to pace the Mavericks, who rushed for 502 yards.
J.D. Ekowa rushed for 75 yards and two touchdowns and threw a touchdown pass for the Mavericks.
The Mavericks had a 33-7 advantage in first downs and a 42:25 to 17:35 advantage in time of possession.
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