Box Score MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State won its eighth-consecutive game Saturday afternoon as the Mavericks escaped with a 52-49 victory over the University of Mary at the Taylor Center.
 
Defense and poor shooting was the name of the game in the first half as both teams combined to shoot 1-of-17 over the games first three minutes and 40 seconds.
 
The Mavericks had a better shooting percentage in the first half despite both teams shooting under 28.0 percent as MSU went 11-of-40 (27.5 FG%) while U-Mary went just 5-of-35 (14.3) from the field.
 
A bright spot in the first half for MSU was the rebounding performance by freshman forward Jamie Bresnahan who recorded 11 of the Mavericks 34 rebounds.
 
MSU possessed a 27-23 lead at the break before surrendering the lead with 11:10 remaining as U-Mary went on a 13-7 run taking the 36-34 lead.  The lead was the first for the Marauders since when they led 8-7 after the game’s first six minutes.
 
The Mavericks would fight back, however, as junior guard Jameila Hudnell broke a tie at 48 with one minute remaining connecting on two free throws as the Mavericks took a 50-48 lead.
 
Lindsey Sand of the Marauders would cut the lead to one, connecting on one of two free throws, before U-Mary was able to force a turnover on the defensive end with just 20 seconds remaining.
 
However, it was MSU who would hold on for its eighth-consecutive victory as Ali Collins’ jumper didn’t fall for U-Mary while freshman guard Aubrey Davis pulled down the rebound before sinking two free throws, giving the Mavericks a three-point lead as the score would remain, 52-49.  U-Mary’s last-second, three-point attempt fell short at the buzzer as the Marauders saw their eight-game win streak snapped.
 
The Mavericks were led offensively by senior guard Jennie Noreen who collected her third career double-double with a 13-point, 12-rebound performance.  Joining Noreen in double-digits was Davis who finished with 11 points including a 7-of-8 performance from the charity stripe.  Hudnell and senior forward #Laura Weber# each finished with 10 points as Weber fell one rebound short of her third double-double of the season.
 
Neither team was able to find a rhythm offensively as MSU finished 24.6 percent from the floor compared to just 17.5 percent by U-Mary.  MSU also held a 61-51 edge on the glass while each team committed 15 turnovers.
 
Minnesota State (12-4, 8-3 NSIC) is next in action Friday, Jan. 20 when it travels to Bemidji, Minn., to face the Beavers with tip scheduled for 6 p.m.

To listen to Pam Gohl's post-game interview click HERE