MANKATO, Minn. ---  The Minnesota State women's basketball team fell to #12 Winona State, 79-64, Friday evening at the Taylor Center. 

The scoring was back and forth early as offense came easily for both teams.  The Mavericks and Warriors traded baskets in the opening two minutes to get to an early 6-6 tie.  A pair of three-point shots from Taylor Drost off the bench sparked the Mavericks to an early 12-11 lead after a 5-0 run from the Warriors.  A series of one-and-done offensive possessions from Minnesota State along with a trio of extended opportunities thanks to offensive rebounds propelled Winona State to a 25-19 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Rachel Shumski opened up the second-quarter scoring on a deep three-point shot from the top of the key sparking the Mavericks to an 8-4 run to bring the score to 27-29 with 5:37 remaining.  The defenses for both teams tightened up as scoring became a task with a number of turnovers and single-shot possessions for both squads.  After a time out by the Mavericks a late floater in the lane from Taylor Klug off a rebound pulled Minnesota State within two-points going into the half, trailing the Warriors 35-37.

An early drive to the basket in the third quarter from Shumski tied the game at 37 and a put back from Claire Ziegler gave Minnesota State its first lead since the opening minutes of the game.   After a series of back and forth baskets the opportunistic Winona State defense caused a pair of turnovers that transitioned into points ultimately resulting in a lead of 54-50 over Minnesota State at the end of the third quarter.

Early fouls from both sides littered the opening minutes of the fourth quarter as both offenses struggled to find a rhythm before Winona State nailed back-to-back threes to give the Warriors a 60-50 lead over Minnesota State with 7:52 remaining in the game.  The Mavericks responded with a quick 6-0 run before the Warriors came back with their own 6-0 streak, taking a 66-56 lead into the final four minutes.  Forced to rush their offense down the stretch, the Mavericks had several three point attempts fall just short as they were put in a situation to foul the Warriors, sending the Winona State shooters to the free-throw line.  Minnesota State ultimately fell to Winona State by a final score of 79-64. 

Klug led the Mavericks with 12 points and Ziegler contributed with a team leading seven rebounds.  Drost added eight points off of the bench for Minnesota State.  As a team the Mavericks shot 38.8% to the Warriors 48.4% for the game. 

With the loss, Minnesota State moves to 4-2 (1-2 NSIC) on the season. The Mavericks will return to Taylor Center tomorrow to take on Upper Iowa. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.  




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