MANKATO, Minn.   —   Minnesota State women’s basketball team (7-1, 4-1 NSIC) will play its final contest of the 2012 portion of its schedule as they take a break from conference action to host NAIA school, Dakota State University (4-7), DSU is an independent institution and represents the Association of Independent Institutions (AII). This contest will count as an exhibition for the Trojans.

What’s Next?: The Mavericks are 4-0 all-time against Dakota State University, and defeated the Trojans 85-47 in 2010. MSU suffered its first loss at the hands of Sioux Falls on the road this past weekend, and enter the contest with a mark of 7-1 overall and 4-1 in the NSIC, and is under the direction of first year head coach Emilee Thiesse.

Looking Back:  Minnesota State University competed in its first Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference road games of the 2012-13 season as it defeated Southwest Minnesota State University Friday evening by a score of 86-56, the Mavericks then traveled to Sioux Falls, S.D. where they fell by a score of 77-64, in what was Minnesota State’s first loss of the season.

A Little About Dakota State University: DSU is located in Madison, S.D., an NAIA institution and current member of the AII, the Trojans used to compete in the Dakota Athletic Conference (DAC), the same conference that Minot State was once a member of. The Trojans are coached by Jeff Dittman who is in his sixteenth year at the helm of the Trojans women’s basketball team who are currently 4-7 on the season. DSU is led by junior Kylie Westover who is averaging 13.27 points per contest.

League Honors: Junior Ali Wilkinson was named the NSIC Player of the Week Dec. 10 for her efforts against Winona State and Upper Iowa helping the Mavericks to an overall record of 6-0 and a mark of 3-0 in league play. Wilkinson posted 55 points and hauled in 27 rebounds while converting on 19-31 (61%) of her shots from the field and recorded seven assists, seven steals, two blocks and only committed one turnover in the two contests.

Starting Strong: The Purple and Gold started the 2012-13 campaign with a mark of 7-0 before falling to the University of Sioux Falls, Dec. 15, the 7-0 start marked  the best starting mark since the 2008-09 season when the Mavericks started 17-0, MSU went on to win a national title during that campaign.

20-Something: Among active players, there have been seven, 20-point games. Junior forward Ali Wilkinson leads the way with five, and has scored 20 or more points in the Mavericks previous three contests.

20-Point Games by Active Mavericks
12/14/12 Karlee Gengenbacher vs. SW Minnesota State 22 points
12/8/12 Ali Wilkinson vs. Upper Iowa 24 points
12/7/12 Ali Wilkinson vs. Winona State 31 points
12/1/12 Ali Wilkinson vs. Concordia-St. Paul 22 points
2/11/12 Aubrey Davis at Concordia-St. Paul 22 points
1/29/11 Ali Wilkinson vs. Upper Iowa 20 points
1/15/11 Ali Wilkinson at University of Mary 20 points

Home Sweet Home: The Mavericks are 4-0 at home this season, averaging 83.75 points while giving up 61.75. The Mavericks are shooting 48% from the floor and 39% from behind the arc at home and average 38 rebounds per contest, owning a +8 rebounding margin.
    Junior Ali Wilkinson leads the way for the Mavericks at home, averaging 23 points per game and 9.8 rebounds per contest in the Taylor Center.

Team Highs at Home
Points: 93, Gustavus Adolphus (11/26)
Tot. Rebs.: 52, Upper Iowa (12/8)
Off. Rebs.:24, Upper Iowa (12/8)  
Def. Rebs.: 28, , Upper Iowa (12/8)
FG %: 60% Gustavus Adolphus (11/26)
3pt FG%: 65% Gustavus Adolphus (11/26)
FT %: 87% Winona State (12/7)

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