Mankato, Minn. --- The Minnesota State women's basketball team (14-4, 10-4 NSIC) returned to Taylor Center Friday evening as they welcomed the Dragons of MSU Moorhead (6-9, 5-6 NSIC). The Mavericks potent offense carried them to a commanding victory over the Dragons 84-70.
The Mavericks offensive effort was guided by five players in double-digit scoring. Joey Batt led all scorers this evening as she put away 18 and went four of five from beyond the arc. Maddy Olson and Emily Russo tied for the lead on the glass as both pulled in six rebounds. Olson led the Mavericks in assists and steals with six and four, respectively.
The Mavericks were shot out of a canon offensively as they began the game on a 11-0 run. The Mavericks defensive pressure was fruitful as they forced the Dragons into 18 first-half turnovers and racked up 12 steals. The Mavericks turned that into 21 points off turnovers in the first half. The Mavericks would end the first quarter leading 25-14. The Dragons began the second with a corner three-ball that started chipping away at the Mavericks lead. The Dragons were able to get within six multiple times but, the Mavericks were able to regain control and take a 21-point lead to the half with a score of 52-31.
The second half continued to see the Mavericks light up the scoreboard as they led by as much as 26 in the third. The Dragons continued to struggle offensively from the swarming Maverick defense. The Mavericks once again found themselves up 21 at the end of the third. The Dragons didn't get any closer than 14 in the fourth as the Mavericks went into cruise control and finished off the Dragons with an 84-70 victory.
As a team, the Mavericks went 32-66 for 48.5% from the field and 11-21 from beyond arc for 52.4%. The Mavericks would hit nine of 12 from the charity stripe for 75%. Defensively, the Mavericks racked up 20 steals, forced 14 turnovers and accumulated 23 assists in the contest. The Mavericks were slightly out rebounded by the Dragons 34-30.
The Mavericks return to the floor tomorrow afternoon as they play host to Northern State with tip-off slated for 3:30 p.m. at Taylor Center.
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