Mankato, Minn. --- The Minnesota State University women's basketball team defeated the previously unbeaten Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs 68-61, Saturday evening at Taylor Center. With the win the Mavericks improve to 4-4 (3-3 NSIC) while the Mustangs fall to 5-1 (3-1 NSIC).

The teams started the game evenly matched trading baskets and playing a at a rapid pace, but the Mavericks took their first lead of the game, 14-13, after Mikayla Nachazel hit the second of a pair of jumpers with 2:07 to go in the first. Minnesota State would score five more unanswered points to take an 19-13 lead into the second quarter.

The Mustangs opened the second quarter by cutting the Maverick lead to one before Tayla Stuttley converted on a layup. The teams traded baskets for the remainder of the quarter but with  just over three seconds to go in the half, Tayla Stuttley was able to get the defenders at the rim in the air and kiss the glass for a layup to give Minnesota State a 36-31 lead at the half.

Stuttley led all scorers with 13 points in the first half while Maddy Olson led the Mavericks with six rebounds.

The Minnesota State press defense forced 18 turnovers in the first half and outscored Southwest Minnesota State 12-0 in points off turnovers.

The Mustangs were able to cut the Maverick lead to as few as three points in the third quarter, but Minnesota State responded with a quick 7-0 run started by a three pointer from Olson. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota State managed to expand its lead to 12 points and with a consistent defensive effort as well as converting on free throw opportunities, the Mavericks cruised to a 68-61 win.

Stuttley led the Mavericks with 18 points on the night while Rachel Shumski (13 points) and Brooke Tonsfeldt (12 points) both finished with double digit scoring performances. Tonsfeldt also recorded six steals for Minnesota State which forced Southwest Minnesota State into 26 turnovers in the game.

The Mavericks recorded 16 assists on the night compared to 13 from the Mustangs although they were edged out on rebounds 46-45.

The Mavericks will return to the road next weekend for a pair of games against Sioux Falls. Friday, Jan. 29^th the game is scheduled to tip-off at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday the teams will face off at 4:00 p.m.