MANKATO, Minn. --- Three Mavericks reached double digits in scoring but Minnesota State could not overcome a slow start falling to Wayne State, 81-69, in its Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference opener Friday evening at Taylor Center.

The Wildcats (7-3, 1-1 NSIC) opened the contest on a 9-0 run to steal the early advantage. Taylor Drost scored the first Maverick (1-5, 0-1 NSIC) basket at the 6:32 mark of the first quarter to end the run. Minnesota State upped the defensive pressure at the end of the first quarter, forcing six turnovers and grabbing two steals throughout the opening period of play. However, Wayne State led after the first frame, 25-11. Claire Ziegler paced Minnesota State with six points in the opening quarter.

The Mavericks halted the momentum of Wayne State scoring 16 points in the quarter and started the second stanza with an 8-2 run over the first five minutes. Monica Muth highlighted the run with a jumper in the lane to draw Minnesota State within eight, 27-19, at the 5:36 mark. The Wildcats responded to score 14 points to close the quarter and led at the break, 41-27.

Minnesota State opened the third quarter cutting the Wayne State lead down to single digits, 41-32, after Logan Anderson connected on a layup at the 9:19 mark. Later in the quarter, the Mavericks continued to apply pressure as Claire Jordan drained a triple, 46-38, with 4:40 on the clock. However, Minnesota State trailed after three, 49-56.

Wayne State quickly pushed its edge back into double figures, 65-54, with 4:37 remaining. The Mavericks attempted to make a comeback with a 6-0 run late in the frame to make the score 75-64. The run was highlighted by a triple from Anderson with 1:42 to play. Minnesota State was not able to get any closer and dropped the contest, 81-69.

As a team, Minnesota State held the edge in rebounds (38-35) and assists (11-9). The Mavericks shot 38.7% from the field and 42.9% from downtown. MSU also netted 20 points in the paint.

Ziegler posted her first double-double of the season with a season-best 11 rebounds and matched a season-high 16 points. Anderson netted a career-best 19 points and shot 63.6% from the field. Jordan rounded out the top Maverick performers with 14 points and five rebounds.

Minnesota State returns to action hosting Augustana tomorrow. Tip-off is set for 4:00 p.m.