Sioux Falls, S.D. – The Minnesota State Women's basketball team dispatched of the University of Mary Marauders in the second round of the NSIC Basketball tournament by a score of 81-59.
With the win, the Mavericks advance to the third round of the NSIC Basketball Tournament for a game against the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday evening. 

The Mavericks opened the game with a stifling defense and Taylor Drost paced the offense, working on the defense from the top of the key taking an early 10-0 lead over the Marauders.  While the U-Mary offense started to get some rhythm, Kristi Fett took over down low scoring four straight points, then finding Rachel Shumski open in the paint for an assist.  Minnesota State got a shot off at the end of the first that went long, but still took a 25-13 lead into the break.

On the Mavericks second possession of the second quarter, Drost found a cutting Rylee Menster who converted an and one on a layup, putting MSU up 30-15.  The Marauders cut into the Maverick lead going into the media timeout, but a three pointer from Menster gave Minnesota State a 37-26 edge with 4:13 to go in the half. 

The mavericks finished the half with a 14-8 stretch punctuated by a three pointer with time expiring from Menster. 

At the half, Fett led the way with 12 boards and three blocks while Menster and Kirstin Klitzke each contributed nine points.  As a team, Minnesota State Shot 53.8% from the field compared to 41.4% from U-Mary as well as holding 22-12 edge on the glass. 

The Mavericks showed no signs of slowing down on offense in the second half, opening the third quarter with an 11-4 run, extending the lead to 62-38 with 4:56 to go in the half.  With a barrage of scoring in the final minutes from Maddy Olson, the Mavericks took a 74-43 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Marauders weren't able to threaten in the fourth quarter, and the Mavericks ultimately came away with the win, 81-59. 

Olson finished the game as the leading scorer for the Mavericks with 17 points while Fett finished the game with 15 points and Klitzke recorded 11 as well.  As a team the Mavericks outrebounded the Marauders 44-30 while converting on 16 of 19 free throw attempts.