Wayne, Neb.—The Minnesota State Mavericks were defeated by the Wildcats of Wayne State, Friday evening, 76-56.

The Mavericks opened the game winning the tip-off but not scoring on the opening shot. The Wildcats would get the first points of the game off a fast-break layup, following up with two Maverick turnovers resulting in points for the Wildcats.

Senior forward Liz Trauger put down the first two points off a jumper for the Mavericks. With seven minutes left in the half the Mavericks faced a 15-point deficit before freshman guard Sarah Wiens drilled a three for the Mavericks.

Minnesota State finished the half with Wiens putting down a shot from the arc and a jumper by sophomore guard Jennie Noreen, to leave the Mavericks with a 13-point deficit at half, 43-30

Leading the Mavericks in the first half was Wiens with nine points along with sophomore guard Lauren Barber and freshman forward Ali Wilkinson both with six points. Minnesota State was shooting 44 percent from the field and 45 percent from the arc, but gave away 14 turnovers in the half. MSU was outrebounded by the Wildcats, 19-13.

MSU allowed the Wildcats to open the second half with six more points, increasing the deficit to 19 points. Senior guard Tiffany Moe knocked down a three for the first Maverick points of the second half. The Wildcats continued their lead on the Mavericks holding a 17-point lead with 10 minutes left to go in the game, never allowing MSU to come back they finished out the game with a 20-point deficit.

The Mavericks were led by Wiens with 14 points and Wilkinson with eight. MSU was outrebounded, 38-31, while giving up 24 turnovers. Minnesota State shot 37.5 percent from the field, and 43.5 percent from the arc.  

The Mavericks now 10-7 overall and 5-5 in the NSIC will travel to Sioux Falls, S.D. to battle the Vikings of Augustana tomorrow at 5 p.m.

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