Starting Off: The Mavericks hosted Bemidji State in the lone game at Taylor Center. This week the Mavericks hit the road to take on Minot State University on Friday Jan. 21 with tip-off set for 5:30 p.m., Then, on Saturday the Mavericks square-off with the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., with tip-off slated for 3:30 p.m.

Last Time Out: Last weekend the Mavericks had one game on the docket. The Mavericks played host to Bemidji State on Friday Jan. 14. The Mavericks had their way with the Beavers early as they stretched their lead to 19 at half with a score of 43-24. The Beavers did their best to close the margin and got it within four several times but, were unable to get any closer as the Mavericks closed the game out with a final of 72-68.

Mavericks at a Glance: The Mavericks enter the week with an 12-3 overall record and 8-3 in the NSIC. The Mavericks righted the ship with the victory over Bemidji State. The Mavericks face two teams vying for the playoff life in the North Division with Minot State and UMary coming to Mankato. This is a pivotal weekend for all teams involved for their playoff seedings in the NSIC.

Stat Pack: As a team this season, Minnesota State averages 79.3 points per game, which is tops in the NSIC and 15th in the nation, in comparison to its opponents 67.7. Additionally, the Mavericks average 39.3 rebounds per game. The Mavericks have also dished out 13.5 assists per game while stealing the ball 217 times. The Mavericks own a plus-9.3 turnover margin, which is first in the conference and fifth in the NCAA. 

Minnesota State History: The 2021-22 season marks the 57th season in Minnesota State women's basketball program history, dating back to 1966. During that span, the Mavericks own a record of 770-646 (.543).


Mavericks With The Swipes: The Mavericks' unrelenting full-court pressure has been strong and effective in the 2021-22 season. The Mavericks 217 steals leads the NSIC and is fourth in the NCAA. The Mavericks average 14.5 steals per game. In comparison, the next closest team is Sioux Falls who has 175 steals with 10.29 per game. Joey Batt and Rylee Menster lead the team in steals with 43 and 33, respectively. Batt and Menster are second and third in the NSIC. Batt is currently 11th in the NCAA. 

Turnover Machine: The Mavericks' potent pressure on the defensive side of the court has been outstanding in the 2021-22 season. The Mavericks boast an NSIC-best turnover margin with a plus-9.33 ratio and forced opponents into 356 turnovers compared to their 216. In addition to the turnover margin, the Mavericks have the 18th most forced turnovers in NCAA Division II. The Mavericks have converted the turnovers into 340 points on the other end.

Most-Offensive: The Mavericks have been driven by their number one-ranked scoring offense in the NSIC and 12th in the nation. The Mavericks have scored a total of 1,189 points with Augustana being the next closest with 1048 points. The Mavericks have averaged just over 79 points per game. The Mavericks also hold a plus-11.6 point-scoring margin, which also leads the NSIC. The scoring onslaught has been spearheaded by sophomore guard Joey Batt as she leads the Mavericks and is third in the conference in scoring with 260 points and 17.3 points per game.

Walking the Sidelines: Head Coach Emilee Thiesse is in her 10th season at the helm of the Mavericks. She has amassed a 161-102 (.612) overall record, including two NCAA Tournament appearances in the 2012-13 and 2014-15 seasons. In NSIC games, she owns a 122-78 (.610) career record.

Player to Watch: Sophomore Joey Batt was named the Mavericks' Player to Watch this season by the NSIC. Last season, Batt led Minnesota State in scoring to be named to the NSIC South Division All-Conference First Team as well as NSIC South Division Defensive Player of the Year. She was also named to the NSIC South Division All-Defensive Team.  She finished the season with 214 points, 45 rebounds and 50 steals while also being named to the NSIC All-Academic team of Excellence.

Scouting Minot State: Minot State University is located in Minot, N.D. The Beavers are members of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Bemidji State is currently 6-10 (4-5 NSIC). The Beavers are led by head coach Mike Brandt, who is in his first season with the team.

As a team this season, Minot State has averaged 65.4 points per game in comparison to their opponents 69.7 per game and is 10th in the NSIC in scoring offense and 14th in scoring margin with a minus-4.3 in that category. The Beavers average 33.9 rebounds per contest and dish out 14.1 assists per game.

Minot State is led by junior forward Amber Stevahn and junior guard Kate Head, who have amassed 275 and 165 points and average 17.2 and 10.3 points per game, respectively. Stevahn is fourth in the NSIC in scoring and is second on the team on the glass with 89 rebounds. Anna Counts leads the team in rebounds with 92. Head leads the team in assists with 68 which is fourth in the NSIC and leads the team in steals with 18.

Friday's game will mark the 10th time these teams have met. In the most recent outing, the Mavericks defeated Minot State 85-54 on Jan. 3, 2020. The Mavericks own the all-time series with an 8-1 record.

Scouting University of Mary: The University of Mary is located in Bismarck, N.D., The Marauders are members of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. UMary is currently 10-10 (4-7 NSIC). The Marauders are led by head coach Rick Neumann, who is in his eighth season with the team.

As a team this season, University of Mary has averaged 70.6 points per game in comparison to their opponents 65.4 per game and is fifth in the NSIC in scoring offense and seventh in scoring margin with a minus-5.3 in that category. The Marauders average 39 rebounds per contest and dish out 15.2 assists per game.

UMary is led by senior forward Lexie Schneider and junior guard Megan Voit, who have amassed 236 and 216 points and average 12.4 and 10.8 points per game, respectively. Senior guard Macy Williams leads the team in assists with 67 in the 2021-22 season. Schneider leads the team on the glass as she has hauled in 157 rebounds averaging 8.3 per game. Schneider is third in the NSIC in rebounding.  

Saturday's game will mark the 18th time these teams have met. In the most recent outing, the Mavericks defeated the University of Mary 81-59 on Mar. 1, 2020. The Mavericks own the all-time series with an 13-4 record.

Looking Ahead: The Mavericks return to the friendly confines of Taylor Center as they play host to MSU Moorhead on Friday, Jan. 28 with tip-off set for 5:30 p.m., Then, on Saturday, Jan. 29 the Mavericks welcome in Northern State with tip-off slated for 3:30 p.m.

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