MANKATO, Minn. ---  The Minnesota State women's basketball team fell to Minnesota Duluth, 71-63, Friday night at Taylor Center. 

With the loss, the Mavericks move to 12-9 on the season, and an 8-9 NSIC record. With the win, Minnesota Duluth improves to 13-8, including an 11-6 league record.

Minnesota State got going in transition early against Minnesota Duluth as both teams exchanged shots up and down the court. Josie Buckley and Taylor Meyer connected on two straight possessions from behind the arc to give Minnesota Duluth a 13-10 lead at the 4:58 mark of the first quarter. While the Bulldogs continued their hot shooting going 5-8 from the three point line in the quarter, the Mavericks strong presence inside kept the score close with Minnesota Duluth leading 21-17 after the first quarter. 

Minnesota Duluth continued their hot shooting from behind the arc into the second quarter after Sammy Kozlowski made two triples on back-to-back possessions for the Bulldogs, extending their lead to 33-27 with 2:39 remaining in the quarter. Karina Schroeder finished the half with a team high 10 points, and the Mavericks trailed the Bulldogs 38-27 going into the locker room. Minnesota State shot 40.7% (11-27) from the field, but just 16.7% (1-6) from three. The Bulldogs finished the half shooting 38.7% (12-31) from the field, but 66.7% (10-15) from downtown. 

Minnesota Duluth started the second half on an 11-2 run, extending its lead to 49-29 at 6:18 of the third quarter. The Mavericks tried to chip away at the deficit, but Minnesota Duluth kept their foot on the gas creating turnovers and missed shots, growing their lead to 57-33 at 2:42 of the third. Minnesota State tried to swing the momentum and ignite some energy into the team by engaging in a full court press, but trailed the Bulldogs 58-37 at the end of the third quarter.

Schroeder hit a three from the corner that sparked a 9-2 run for the Mavericks to start the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 60-46 at the 6:54 mark. Minnesota State stayed in their full court press to continue to pressure the Bulldogs and cut the lead to seven points, 56-63, with 3:02 left in the game. The Mavericks forced a ten-second call for the turnover, and Claire Ziegler converted the layup the following possession to bring the Mavericks within three, 63-60, with 1:11 left. Meyer hit two free throws with seven seconds left to deny the Mavericks a comeback victory. Despite outscoring Minnesota Duluth 24-13 in the final quarter, the Mavericks fell by a final score of 71-63. 

Minnesota State held a 46-35 advantage in rebounds, but also had 23 turnovers in the loss. The Mavericks shot 37.9% (22-58) from the field, 16.6% from three (2-12), and recorded 32 points in the paint.. Minnesota Duluth finished the game shooting 38.6% (22-57) from the field, and 52.4% (11-21) from three. 

Schroeder finished the game with her second  double-double of the season with a team-high in points (17) rebounds (10), and steals (4). Ziegler also reached double digits in scoring with 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Senior Sammie Delzotto rounded out the top performers with nine points and six rebounds. 

The Mavericks will return to action Saturday night hosting the Huskies of St. Cloud State. Tip-off set for 4:00 p.m.