Box Score CALIFORNIA, Pa. – Minnesota State won its 2011-12 season opener Saturday afternoon as it defeated Ashland University 63-46 in the opening round of the California (Pa.) Tip-Off Tournament.
 
The Mavericks led 28-20 after the first half which they shot 33.3 percent from the field.  MSU shot a better percentage than Ashland (25.9 FG%) while also recording three more rebounds (24-21) while committing five less turnovers (16-11).
 
MSU led 16-15 with 4:44 left in the first half before going into halftime on a 12-5 run including a last-second rebound put-back from junior forward Ali Wilkinson.
 
Wilkinson finished the first half with six points and four rebounds while sophomore guard Alli Hoefer led the Mavericks with eight points on 2-of-3 shooting from the field.
 
Minnesota State would carry over its momentum into the second half as it outscored the Eagles, 35-26.  MSU shot 37.5 percent from the floor in the second half compared 35.7 percent for Ashland.
 
After giving up a three-pointer to Ashland’s Lindsay Tenyak which cut the MSU lead to five, MSU took control as it extended its lead to as large as 18 at two different points throughout the second half.
 
Wilkinson added 10 points in the second half and was joined by junior guard Jameila Hudnell who also tallied all 10 of her points in the second half.
 
The Mavericks were led by Wilkinson who recorded a double-double with 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting while grabbing 10 rebounds.
 
MSU did a good job spreading out its scoring as Hoefer finished with eight points while senior guard Jennie Noreen and freshman guard Aubrey Davis each contributed seven points, respectively.
 
The Mavericks finished with more rebounds (46-42), assists (10-9), steals (10-9) and blocks (4-1) while they also committed 11 less turnovers (30-19).
 
Ashland was led offensively by Jena Stutzman who finished with 10 points on 4-of-15 shooting.  Stutzman also pulled down nine rebounds in the contest.
 
The Mavericks (1-0) return to action tomorrow in the final round of the California (Pa.) Tip-Off Tournament when they face California (Pa.) who defeated the University of Indianapolis 64-57 in other first-round game.  Sunday’s action is scheduled to start at 2 p.m.

Box Score