Mankato, Minn. --- Minnesota State University opened the 2022-23 season with a win at home against North Central University by the score of 110-42.

With the win, MSU improves to 1-0 on the season. The game counted as an exhibition for the Rams.

The Mavericks had a slow start with three lead changes in the first minutes but managed to keep a lead of seven points to finish the first quarter 20-13. The Mavericks would build on their lead in the second quarter as they outscored the Rams 27-12 to take a 47-25 lead into halftime.

At halftime, MSU forced 22 NCU turnovers. Junior Joey Batt led the Mavericks in scoring in the first half with 10 points, while junior Taylor Theusch netted nine points.

The third quarter saw the Mavericks step on the gas pedal and never let up as they outscored NCU 35-6 in the third, in route to a final score of 110-42.

Sophomore Emily Herzberg shot 7-13 (three three-pointers out of five) and led the Mavericks with 19 points. Batt notched 18 points, four rebounds, four steals, and five assists. Sophomore Destinee Bursch tallied 16 points, four steals, and three assists. Theusch added nine points and four assists, while freshman Natalie Bremer debuted with eight points and four assists.

As a unit, Minnesota State forced 44 turnovers and scored 53 points off them The Mavericks also shot 45.4% from the field. They also passed out 27 assists and recorded 29 steals. MSU also enjoyed a 61-38 advantage in rebounds.

North Central was led by Kaitlyn VanderPloeg with 18 points and Mia Mabang added eight points with two steals.

Minnesota State continues its season on the road this Friday as it takes on Fort Hays State in Hays, Kan. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.



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