Wilkinson paces the Mavericks with a career-high 35 points as Minnesota State downs No. 5 Augustana

Sioux Falls, S.D. – The Minnesota State University women’s basketball team returned to the hardwood for the 2013 portion of its schedule as it squared off against No. 5 Augustana College where the Mavericks handed the Vikings their first loss of the season 80-79 as MSU improved to 9-1 on the season and 5-1 in the NSIC.

The Mavericks tied the game at 3-3 with 17:30 remaining in the opening stanza before they went on a 17-10 run, opening up a 20-13 lead with 8:42 left to play in the first half, led by junior forward Ali Wilkinson who converted on back-to-back, old-fashioned three point plays.

Wilkinson paced MSU as she recorded 18 points and six rebounds in the first half. The Mavericks shooting struggles continued in the opening stanza as they converted on just 1-11 (9%) from behind the arc and 11-36 (31%) from the field.

Minnesota State committed seven turnovers and 12 fouls, while forcing Augustana into 10 turnovers and nine fouls and trailed 39-32 at halftime.

The Mavericks found themselves down 15 points with 14:28 remaining to play before they closed the game on a 37-21 run, capped off by a pair of free-throws by Wilkinson with five seconds remaining in the game, to give MSU its first lead since the 7:30 mark in the first half.

MSU forced Augustana into a shot clock violation with 15 seconds remaining in regulation, as the Mavericks trailed by one, sophomore guard Aubrey Davis brought the ball up court and dished it to Wilkinson who drew the foul, earning a trip to the charity-stripe.

Wilkinson knocked down both shots from the line, improving 15-16 from the charity stripe, giving the Mavericks the 80-79 win over No. 5 Augustana.

Wilkinson led all scorers as she netted 35 points and hauled-in 11 rebounds. Wilkinson was joined by senior guard Jameila Hudnell who was the only other Maverick to reach double figures as she finished with 12 points.

Minnesota State finished the game 24-63 (38%) from the floor, 5-19 (26%) from behind the arc and 27-32 (84%) from the floor while forcing the Vikings to commit 19 turnovers.

The Mavericks will return to action Saturday as they travel to Wayne, Neb. to do battle with No. 19 Wayne State. The opening tip is slated for 4 p.m.

-30-