FAYETTE, Iowa ---  The Minnesota State women's basketball team dispatched Upper Iowa, 65-48, at Dorman Gymnasium Friday night.  

With the win, the Mavericks improve to 14-9 on the season, and a 10-9 NSIC record. With the loss, Upper Iowa drops to 3-20, including a 3-16 NSIC record. MSU has now won seven of its last nine games. 

Minnesota State controlled the tempo with a 6-0 lead after a Karina Schroeder layup to force a early Upper Iowa timeout. The Mavericks did not let off the gas pushing its advantage to 14-0 with 6:43 to play in the quarter. The Peacocks were then able to mount a comeback with a 8-0 run of its own to end the quarter, 14-8. 

The Minnesota State offense heated up once again to stretch its lead into double digits, 20-10, after Taylor Klug drove the lane for a layup. The Mavericks applied pressure defensively with a full court press which led to a Klug steal and layup in transition to push the edge to 17, 27-10, with 6:24 on the clock. Later in the quarter, Britney Scherber connected with Rachel Shumski on a inbound pass for a jumper to close the half. Minnesota State led at the intermission, 36-20. 

The Mavericks held the edge in rebounds, 30-17, and scored 24 points in the paint. MSU shot 41.0 % (16-39) from the field in comparison to Upper Iowa which shot 26.9% (7-26). 

Ziegler got the scoring started in the second half with a jump shot which was part of a 8-3 run to expand the lead to 44-23 at the 7:20 mark. Both teams then went on to struggle with fouls as the Peacocks chipped the lead down to 18, 49-31, with 2:07 to play in the quarter. Upper Iowa continued to push after connecting on a three, 50-36. Minnesota State led after the third quarter, 52-36. 

Upper Iowa battled in  the final quarter to draw within 12, 54-42, after a layup at the 5:42 mark. Klug then provided a spark for the Mavericks after Mackenzie Dahl found her on the perimeter for a triple, 57-42, with 4:09 remaining. Minnesota State closed out the remaining minutes to earn the 65-48 victory. 

The Mavericks held the edge in rebounds, 52-36, and netted 40 points in the paint. Minnesota State shot 36.1% (26-72) from the field in comparison to Upper Iowa which shot 30.0% (15-50) . Additionally, the MSU bench totaled 30 points. 

Ziegler and Klug tied for a game-high 13 points while Shumski recorded a career-high 11 points. Schroeder matched a career-best 12 rebounds and added nine points to round out the top performers. 

The Mavericks will return to the floor tomorrow at No. 23 Winona State. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.