MILWAUKEE, Wis. ---  The Minnesota State women's basketball team fell short against Marquette, 78-75, Sunday afternoon at Al McGuire Center in exhibition play. 

Both teams exchanged points early until the Golden Eagles used a seven point run to take a 12-5 lead and force a Minnesota State time out. The Mavericks battled back and cut the deficit down to three, 15-12, with 1:53 to play in the quarter. Marquette led after one quarter of play, 21-13. 

The Mavericks found offense early in the second quarter to draw within three, 24-21, at the 8:01 mark after a pair of free throws from Britney Scherber. Marquette responded to grow their lead back up to nine, 32-23, with 5:14 to play in the half. Minnesota State then came storming back to tie the game at 38 after a pair of free throws. The Mavericks did not let off the gas and took their first lead of the game, 41-38, as Madison Lee banked a triple with three seconds on the clock. MSU took a 41-38 advantage into the locker room at halftime. 

Minnesota State was able to grow a five point, 43-38, lead after Claire Ziegler drove the lane for a lay up. Marquette then used a 8-0 run to regain the lead, 46-43, with 6:32 to play in the quarter. Minnesota State fought back with a 8-4 run to steal the lead once again, 51-50. The teams then traded points and Marquette took a 57-54 advantage after three quarters of play.

Claire Jordan netted a jump shot to bring the Mavericks within one, 57-56, to open the final quarter. The Golden Eagles then expanded their lead to nine, 70-61, with 4:18 to play. Later in the quarter, another Jordan jumper cut the Golden Eagle lead to five, 78-73, with 14 seconds to play. Marquette went on to close out the remaining time and pick up a 78-75 win.

Minnesota State held the edge in rebounds (45-37) and assists (17-15). Additionally, the Mavericks went 67% from the free throw line (14-21). 

Jordan led the Mavericks with a team-high 17 points.  Senior Karina Schroeder collected seven rebounds and netted 10 points while Ziegler added nine points and seven rebounds. Scherber rounded out the top performers with 12 points.   

The Mavericks will wrap up exhibition play hosting Hamline on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. Minnesota State will open the regular season at Taylor Center on Nov. 15 against Missouri Western State . Tip off is set for 6:00 p.m.