MANKATO, Minn. ---  The Minnesota State women's basketball team surged past Minot State, 71-59, Friday night at Taylor Center. 

Minnesota State started the first quarter dominantly. The Mavericks had strong defensive pressure in the opening minutes Friday night, forcing the Beavers into long possessions early. The Mavericks strength defensively was equally matched by their offensive output. Minnesota State began the game on a 12-2 run, with ten points coming from Britney Scherber. Minot State began to settle into the game late in the first quarter. The Mavericks defensive pressure was lost as a result of a number of early fouls. This opened the door for the Beavers to narrow the Maverick lead to 21-13 at the end of the first quarter.

Sammie Delzotto got the scoring started for the Mavericks in the second quarter, driving hard to the basket and finishing strong under pressure. Delzotto would make a three pointer with 8:34 on the clock to bring an end to a Minot State run. Delzotto's three would start a 19-2 run for the Mavericks taking the game within a minute of halftime. Monica Muth added a jumper in the waning seconds of the half to bring the score to 44-26 in favor of Minnesota State.

The Mavericks never trailed in the first half, shooting 63.0% from the field and 62.5% from three point range, sinking 5-8. Scherber led the Mavericks with 17 points, Delzotto added eight, and Karina Schroeder contributed six. Minnesota State netted 18 points in the paint, and both benches scored seven points in the half.

Schroeder got the Mavericks started in the second half with plays on both halves of the court. Schroeder drew two defensive fouls and added her first block of the night in the opening minutes of the half. The Mavericks and Beavers traded baskets throughout the third quarter with neither team finding a consistent rhythm.  The Mavericks would carry a 62-40 advantage into the final quarter.

The Mavericks stayed on target from three point range in the fourth. Muth scored back-to-back three point shots and Schroeder added a mid-range jumper to give the Mavericks a 21 point lead with 4:54 remaining in the game, 70-49. The Beavers would make a final run before the game was over. Minnesota State went on to close out the remaining time and win the game, 71-59. 

Three Mavericks reached double digits in scoring: Scherber (20), Delzotto (13), and Schroeder (14). Muth rounded out the top performers with a season-best 10 rebounds and added eight points . 

With the win , Minnesota State moves to 8-7 (4-7 NSIC) on the season. The Mavericks return to Taylor Center tomorrow against U-Mary. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.