Mankato, Minn. –  The Minnesota State women's basketball began conference play on a winning note, as it defeated Augustana College 92-80 Friday evening.

With the win, the Mavericks improve to 4-2 overall and 1-0 in the NSIC for the season.

Midway through the first half, MSU was able to build a 10-point lead over Augie at 27-17 with 8:40 left to play in the half. The Vikings, however, wouldn't go away as AC went on a 14-4 run to tie the game at 31-31. After a couple of baskets by each team to have it tied at 35-35, the Mavericks were able to finish the first half on a 7-0 run. MSU went into halftime leading over AC, 42-35, including five points from senior guard Aubrey Davis during the run.

As a team the Mavericks were able to outscore the Vikings in the paint, point off turnovers and second chance points in the first half. Also MSU was able to force 11 Augie turnovers as the Mavericks only turned the ball over three times in the half. 

The halftime leader for MSU was Davis as she led all scorers with 15 points and three assists, including 2-3 from three point territory. Not far behind was senior forward Jamie Bresnahan, as the Edina, Minn. native posted 11 points, two rebounds and two assists in the first half.

In the second half of play, MSU held onto its lead for rest of the game, although Augie wouldn't go away for the majority of the half. The Mavericks pushed its lead to double-digits a couple of times over the Vikings before Augie would fight back to push the game back to single-digits. However, late in the second half at the 2:03 mark, the Mavericks built their biggest lead of the game at 14, 86-72. MSU would go on to win the game over AC, 92-80.

Leading the way in the second half was senior guard Ashley Olson, as she posted all 17 of her points in the second half, including 4-5 from beyond the arc. Senior forward Lexie Ulfers and sophomore guard Sammie Delzotto also recorded double-digits in the second half, with 13 and 11 points, respectively. 

Overall, it was a very balanced attack by the Mavericks as all five MSU starters finished the game in double-digits. Olson finished with new career-highs with 17 points and eight rebounds, to go along with her three assists on the night. Davis was right behind as she tallied 16 points and eight assists, with Ulfers accumulating her first career double-double, finishing with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Rounding out the bunch was Delzotto and Bresnahan, as Delzotto finished with 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Bresnahan accumulated 13 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Next up for the Mavericks to round out the week, will be #2 Wayne State. The game is slated for 5 p.m. at Taylor Center