Box Score Mankato, Minn. --- The Minnesota State women’s basketball returned to the friendly confines of Taylor Center as it looked to avenge a loss from earlier in the circuit and they would do just that as they earned the 61-58 win, improving to 13-4 overall and 9-4 in the NSIC.
 
It took over four minutes for either team to break the ice as the first points of the contest came by way of an Ali Wilkinson lay-up. Ten minutes into the contest, the score read 4-2 in favor of the Mavericks, but the first 10 minutes of action saw 12 fouls and 13 turnovers between the two teams.
 
The Mavericks took a seven point lead into intermission, as they led 31-24. Wilkinson paced the Mavericks with 10 points in the opening frame. Collectively MSU connected on 11-of-31 (35%) of its shots from the field and a dismal 1-of-10 (10%) from behind the arc in the opening half.
 
The two teams combined for 21 first half turnovers, eight by the Mavericks, 13 by the Wild Cats. Minnesota State was able to net 17 of its 31 first half points off of the Wayne State turnovers.
 
The Mavericks started the second half with the same sluggish tempo they had to start the game, as they went scoreless in the first 6:27 of the second half, but then scored eight points in the next 2:17 seconds.
 
Minnesota State would open up a six point lead, 47-41 with eight minutes remaining. The two teams would exchange points before Wayne State would tie the game at 55-55 with 2:38 to play in regulation.
 
The Mavericks would outlast the Wildcats in the final minutes, powered by a defensive stand as time expired. After the final possession broke down, WSC’s Addy Roller was forced into a contested step-back three point attempt as time expired.
 
Jamie Bresnahan also finished in double figures with 14 points. The junior went 7-10 from the field and hauled in three boards. Jamelia Hudnell led MSU with four assists. The senior also chipped in five points and two steals.
 
MSU finished the game shooting 34% from the floor compared to WSC’s 38%. The Wildcats also held an advantage on the boards, but MSU forced 23 turnovers which it converted into 24 points.
 
Minnesota State will return to action Saturday, as it hosts No. 8 Augustana, tip-off is slated for 4 p.m. at Taylor Center.
 

-  30  -