Bismarck, N.D. --- The Minnesota State women's basketball team (5-7, 2-6 NSIC) lost their game with the University of Mary Marauders (9-2, 7-1 NSIC) 85-71 Saturday afternoon in Bismarck, N.D. 

The teams matched each other shot for shot in the opening minutes, resulting in an 8-8 tie just over five minutes in.  The defenses for the teams stepped up to slow down the pace of play, with U-Mary ultimately coming away with a 16-11 lead after the first quarter. 

The Marauders continued to build their lead in the opening minutes of the second quarter, but the Mavericks responded cutting the lead to 24-23.  Minnesota State didn't allow U-Mary to extend the lead, and entered halftime trailing 32-30. 

Taylor Drost led the Mavericks in scoring with eight points and Tayla Stuttley added seven points of her own.  Brooke Tonsfeldt led the way on the glass with seven rebounds and added two steals.  The Mavericks maintained a 25-23 rebounding advantage in the half.

Minnesota State pushed the pace of the game in the third quarter, consistently getting early opportunities in transition and keeping the game close despite offensive success from the Marauders.  The pace was frenetic in the quarter and the Mavericks scored 24 points, unfortunately the Marauders were able to score 29, and took a 61-54 lead into the fourth.

Minnesota State once again closed the gap in the opening minute of the fourth quarter when a jumper from Drost cut the deficit to two-points.  The Marauders responded with a 7-2 run to rebuild their lead.  A series of run stopping shots and small runs of their own allowed U-Mary to hold off Minnesota State and come away with the 85-71 win.

Drost led the Mavericks in scoring with 21 points and added six rebounds and a block.  Stuttley finished second in scoring with 14 points while adding three rebounds, an assist, and a block.  Monica Muth scored 13 points in the game making 7-8 free throws while adding five boards and two assists. 

The Mavericks held the edge on the glass 44-42 and collected five blocks compared to four.  The Marauders main area of success in the game was from the three point line where they made 11-28 shots, accounting for 33 of their points.

The Mavericks will return home for the first time in 2019 as they face off with Sioux Falls Friday, Jan. 11, at 5:30 p.m., and Southwest Minnesota State Saturday at 3:30 p.m.