MANKATO, Minn. – The Minnesota State women's basketball team opened conference play with a 76-60 win over the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs Friday night at Taylor Center.
With the win, the Mavericks improve to 4-1 (1-0 NSIC), while the Mustangs fall to 5-2 (0-2 NSIC).
 
The Mavericks Jumped out to a 14-0 lead to open the game before the Mustangs made it 14-3 with 4:25 left in the opening quarter. SMSU used a 6-0 run to claw their way back, but Minnesota State still led 22-17 after the first quarter.
 
With the game tied 29-29 with 4:04 left in the half after the Mustangs knocked down a three-pointer. The Mavericks then used a 7-0 run to take a 36-29 lead. MSU would go into the halftime break with a 43-36 lead.
 
The first half saw the Mavericks take advantage of 13 Mustang turnovers by scoring 23 points off turnovers. MSU shot 17-of-37 (45.9%) in the first half.
 
In the third quarter, Minnesota State finished the frame with an 8-0 run, which included two three-pointers, to take a double-digit lead 60-50, into the fourth.
 
The Mavericks remained in control in the final quarter, outscoring the Mustangs 16-10 on their way to the 16-point victory. 
 
 
Kirstin Klitzke led all scorers with 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting to go with four rebounds. Shea Fuller chipped in with 11 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Joey Batt added 10 points.  Rachel Shumski turned in a team-high 11 rebounds to go with five points, while Kristi Fett pulled down eight boards.
 
As a unit, the Mavericks shot 28-of-71 (39.4%). The Maverick defense held the Mustangs to 22-of-64 shooting (34.4%). MSU held a 52-41 rebounding advantage in the game.
 
The Mavericks return to action Saturday as they host #11 Sioux Falls at 3:30 p.m., at Taylor Center.