Henderson State University Athletics

Kaylon Tappin scored a game-high 26 points to lead Henderson State to an 88-80 season opening win over Minot State at the Central Region Basketball Crossover in Lancaster, Texas.

Tappin hit on 8-of-19 shots from the field and was 10-of-12 from the foul line to lead the Reddies to victory.

"I am really happy with how we competed, especially in the second half," said Henderson State Coach Jimmy Elgas. "We had some leadership from our returners and had some key contribution from our new guys which is a good combination."

Minot State jumped out to a 16-8 as the Beavers made 6-of-8 field goals to begin the game before Zydrunas Jurgutis jump-started the Reddies with a 3-point field goal as Henderson began to cut into the deficit.

Henderson tied the game at 25-25 with 7:35 left in the half on a monster dunk by Brad Nairn. Matt Panaggio then gave the Reddies their first lead making a pair of free throws.

The lead would change hands four times before Eric Dailey hit a 3-pointer to give the Reddies the lead at the break.  

Minot State shot an astonishing 68 percent in the first half making 15-of-22 shots from the field, but the Reddies managed to go into the locker room on top 45-43 by forcing 11 turnovers and scoring 13 points off the miscues.

The two teams traded the lead five times to start the second half before Marello put Henderson on top for good at the 13:09 mark sinking a pair of free throws then knocking down a 3-point field goal to put the Reddies in front 60-56.

Marello's quick five points sent Henderson on a 12-0 run with the Reddies building a 67-56 lead midway through the half.

Henderson maintained a double-digit lead for most of the final 10 minutes as Tappin scored 8 points down the stretch while the Reddies making 9-of-10 free throws.

Marello finished the game with 13 points with Nairn adding 10 points and 5 rebounds.

Henderson finished the game hitting on 30-of-58 for 51.7 percent from the field and 23-of-30 shots from the foul line.

Minot State shot 58 percent from the field making 29-of-50 attempts and 15-of-23 from the charity stripe for 65 percent.

The Reddies will next face Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday with tipoff set for 3 p.m.

"We have a quick turnaround and have to be ready to play Saturday," said Elgas. "We will study the film tonight, meet with the guys, and turn our attention to Nebraska-Kearney."