Box Score
Sioux Falls, S.D.—The Minnesota State Mavericks defeated the Wolves of Northern State in an edge-of-your-seat thriller, 64-60, at the first game of the 2009 NSIC Hoopsfest.
The Mavericks increase their record to, 5-0. The win marks the 568th victory in program history and the 11th consecutive win for the Mavericks. The victory also marks the 44th win away from Taylor Center.
The Mavericks started the first half with the first point of the game coming from a free throw by sophomore guard Jennie Noreen. MSU allowed Northern State to take a three-point lead before the Mavericks would try and battle back. Minnesota State fought with three lead changes in the first half and the scored tied at the ten minute mark of the first half. The Mavericks scored 15 points off of Northern State turnovers while the Wolves scored six points off of MSU turnovers. MSU earned seven points on fast break plays and 14 points in the paint. Minnesota State ended the first half with a five point deficit to the Wolves.
Leading the Mavericks in the first half was sophomore center Laura Weber with 10 points, Noreen with eight, and senior forward, Liz Trauger with five.
Entering the second half the Mavericks allowed the Wolves to increase their lead by 13 points with 17 minutes left in the game. The Mavericks battled back, putting pressure on the Wolves offense, holding them from increasing their lead. Minnesota State tied the score with a three-point shot by Trauger, with four minute left in the game. Feeding off the Maverick momentum Noreen and senior guard, Tiffany Moe both sank three’s to increase the Maverick lead to eight with 1:45 left to play. The Wolves unable to gain the lead again, Minnesota State finished the game with three free-throw shots to hold the lead.
Minnesota State grabbed 39 rebounds, eight steals, earning 14 assists and six blocks in the game. Leading the Mavericks was Noreen with 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Weber added 16 points and seven rebounds, and Trauger scored 11 points and seven rebounds.
The Mavericks now, 5-0 overall, will face the Winona State Warriors Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Sioux Falls Arena.
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