Sioux Falls, S.D.--- The Minnesota State women's basketball team (4-3, 1-2 NSIC) dropped their road matchup with the Sioux Falls Cougars (7-1, 3-0 NSIC) Saturday afternoon in Sioux Falls.  

In the early going it was all Mavericks as they quickly jumped out to an 20-9 advantage behind a balanced attack.  The Cougars ultimately tightened the score to 23-20 at the end of the first quarter when they hit a three-pointer with a few seconds remaining.

In the second quarter the Minnesota State offense stalled, only scoring 12 points in the quarter, while Sioux falls dropped 24 giving them a 44-35 lead going into halftime.  

Brooke Tonsfeldtt led the Mavericks in scoring in the first half with eight points while Rachel Shumskiscored four points and added six rebounds and Taylor Drost added seven points of her own.  The Mavericks outrebounded the Cougars 20-14 in the half assisted on nine shots compared to six.

In the third quarter the Mavericks managed to stem the tide, but found themselves down 62-50 going into the fourth quarter.  

Minnesota State wasn't able to cut into the lead in the fourth quarter but didn't let it expand either, ultimately falling 80-62.  

Shumski finished the game with her second double-double of the season, finishing with 12 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, with two blocks and steals.  Tonsfeldt led the way in scoring with 14 points and added three assists and steals. Kristi Fett added nine points and seven rebounds for Minnesota State.

As a team the Mavericks outrebounded the Cougars 45-30 and assisted on 17 field goals compared to 11.  The difference came on the three-point line where the Cougars made 11-21 compared to 5-14 for the Mavericks

Minnesota State will return home for a pair of games, first Friday, Dec. 14 against Winona State at 5:30 p.m., then Saturday, against Upper Iowa at 6:00 p.m.