Mankato, Minn. --- The Minnesota State women's basketball team (15-4, 11-4 NSIC) looked to gain back-to-back wins on the weekend as they hosted the Northern State women's basketball team (10-10, 7-8 NSIC). The Mavericks were successful in their efforts as they defeated the Wolves 85-76 for their third consecutive win Saturday evening.

Destinee Bursch set a new career high of 26-points as she led all scorers in the contest. She also led the team in assists with five. Joey Batt and Mikayla Nachazel led the way on the glass as both pulled in five rebounds.

The Mavericks found themselves in a proverbial dog fight in the beginning of the contest with the Wolves. Both teams went basket for basket in the opening frame. The defensive pressure from the Mavericks slowed down the Wolves offense considerably but, the Wolves would record 13 offensive rebounds in the first half and turned them into nine second chance points. Mikayla Nachazel led the Mavericks in scoring with eight points in the first going three of four from the field including two three-pointers. The Mavericks trailed the Wolves 25-23 at the first quarter break. To begin the second, both teams managed to net just three points in the first 5:15 of the quarter. With Mavericks down four Bursch sparked a 11-3 run with a left wing three-ball to end the first half. The Mavericks held a one-point led at halftime.

The beginning of the second half continued to see a tightly contested game. Neither team was able to create substantial separation. With just under six minutes remaining Bursch would ignite the Mavericks offense once again as she would reach 18 points by the end of the quarter. The Mavericks pressure was swarming as they forced 19 turnovers at this point. The Mavericks would carry a 16-point lead into the third quarter break. To begin the fourth the Mavericks would push the lead to 19, the biggest of the game, on another three-ball from Bursch. The Wolves found their way through the Maverick defense and began chipping away at their lead. They would get as close as eight late in the fourth but, it was too little too late as the Mavericks closed it out with a final of 85-76.

As a team, the Mavericks were 31-73 from floor for 41.18% including 11-28 from beyond the arc for 39.3%. Minnesota State was 12-17 from the free-throw line good for 70.6%. The Mavericks were out rebounded by the Wolves 45-35. Minnesota State forced 24 turnovers and racked up 16 steals.

The Mavericks return to action Friday, Feb. 4 as they hit the road and jump back into NSIC South competition against Southwest Minnesota Sate in Marshall, Minn. Tip-off between the Mavericks and Mustangs is slated for 5:30 p.m., in the R/A facility.

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