MANKATO, Minn. ---  The Minnesota State women's basketball team dropped a 70-55 decision to Wayne State Saturday afternoon at Taylor Center. 

The Mavericks controlled the pace of the game with a early 7-2 run highlighted by a Monica Muth three pointer with 8:03 on the clock. Wayne State responded to battle back and steal their first lead of the contest, 10-9, after a layup at the 4:30 mark. The Wildcats led after the first quarter, 19-16. 

Wayne State grew their lead to six, 25-19, with 5:41 to play in the half. The Mavericks answered to draw within two, 27-25, after Sammie Delzotto was able to connect with Britney Scherber on the perimeter for a triple at the 2:02 mark. Wayne State led after a physical first half , 31-27.

The Wildcats capitalized on opportunities in the third quarter in which it outscored the Mavericks, 25-10. Wayne State quickly stretched their lead into the double digits, 49-34, with 4:54 to play in the quarter. Minnesota State headed into the final quarter trailing, 56-37. 

The Mavericks continued battle into the final quarter chipping the deficit down to 14, 64-50, after Logan Anderson found Delzotto in the lane for a layup with 3:23 remaining. However, Wayne State went on to close out the remaining time and win the game, 70-55. 

The Wildcats held the edge in rebounds, 45-38. The Minnesota State bench netted 20 points in comparison to Wayne States 11. Additionally, the Mavericks shot 71.4% from the free throw line. 

Three Mavericks reached double digits in scoring: senior Karina Schroeder (13), Scherber (10) , and Anderson (10). Freshman Taylor Klug rounded out the top performers with a team-high six rebounds and added four points. 

With the loss , Minnesota State moves to 7-6 (3-6 NSIC) on the season. The Mavericks return to Taylor Center on Tuesday hosting Concordia-St. Paul. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m.