Box Score WAYNE, Neb. --- The No. 12 Minnesota State women's basketball team fell to No. 17 Wayne State 79-64 falling to 6-2 overall with a mark of 3-1 in conference action. With the win the Wildcats improved to a perfect 11-0 and 4-0 in league play.

In a first half of runs the Mavericks trailed by 10 on two separate occasions, but were able to overcome the Wildcat runs to take a 33-30 deficit into intermission. MSU ended the first half on a 13-6 run.

MSU was led in the first half  by the senior duo of Karlee Gengenbacher (Quincy, Ill.) and Ali Wilkinson (Blue Mounds, Wis.), who each posted eight points in the frame. Junior Lexie Ulfers (Waseca, Minn.) poured in five straight points in the Mavericks 13-6 run to end the half.

The Mavericks connected on 11-of-27 (41%) of their shots from the field, 2-of-7 (39%) from behind the arc, and 6-of-10 (60%) from the charity stripe in the opening half. WSC shot 48% from the field, 40% from deep and 88% from the free throw line in the first 20 minutes.

The Wildcats opened the second half on a 12-6 run and didn't look back as they pushed their lead to 62-43 with 8:17 to play. Ulfers would once again spark an 11-4 run cutting the Wildcat lead to 66-54 with 5:30 to play. MSU tried to complete the comeback, but its efforts fell short, as it fell 79-64.

Wilkinson led the offensive charge, posting her 28th career double-double finishing with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Ulfers finished with a career-high 16 points.  

Collectively, the Mavericks shot 35% (21-60) from the field, 20% (2-10) from behind the arc and 71% from the stripe (20-28), but committed 21 turnovers.

The Wildcats were led by Jordan Spencer who netted 17 points. WSC connected on 49% of its shots from the field, 39% from deep and 90% from the stripe.

MSU will return to action Saturday as it travels to Sioux Falls, S.D., to do battle with No. 10 Augustana, opening tip is slated for 4 p.m.
 
 
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