Mankato, Minn. --- #11 Minnesota State remains undefeated and continues NSIC South Division play on the road facing Winona State this Thursday at 5:30 p.m. MSU then hosts Upper Iowa at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday at Taylor Center. 
 
Last Time Out: Last week the Mavericks extended their winning streak to 5-0 as they picked up a conference win at home against Concordia-St. Paul 91-61 last Tuesday. Minnesota State then defeated UW-Parkside 80-71 on the road in a non-conference game on Saturday. 
 
Stat Pack: As a team Minnesota State is averaging 83.4 points, 47.2 rebounds, 17.8 assists, 2.6 blocks, and 18.4 steals per game. 
 
Preseason Outlook: The Mavericks are picked to finish first in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll receiving a total of 216 points along with eight first-place votes. 
 
1,000 Points: Minnesota State junior Joey Batt scored 31 points in MSU's 80-71 win over UW-Parkside. In doing so, Batt became the 23rd member of the Minnesota State 1,000 Point Club. Batt ranks 22nd all-time in career points at Minnesota State with 1,007. 
 
Minnesota State History: The 2022-23 season marks the 58th season in Minnesota State women's basketball program history, dating back to 1966. During that span, the Mavericks own a record of 783-649 (.546). 
 
Returning Mavericks: The Minnesota State women's basketball team welcomes back nine players and two starters from last years' team. Junior Joey Batt started all 28 games and averaged 15.5 points per game, had 72 steals and averaged 3.4 rebounds while junior Taylor Theusch started in 21 games and averaged 8.6 points per game and 1.5 rebounds. Sophomore Destinee Bursch played in all 28 games and averaged 11.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. 
 
Fresh Faces: The Mavericks welcome six freshmen for the 2022-2023 season. Natalie Bremer from Lake City, Minn., Delaynie Luneckas from Iowa City, Iowa., Hannah Herzig from Lino Lakes, Minn., Mackenzie Schweim from Mankato, Minn., Lilly Nuytten from Hastings, Minn., and lastly Ava Stier from Waconia, Minn. 
 
Walking the Sidelines: Head Coach Emilee Thiesse is in her 11th season at the helm. She has amassed a 175-106 (.622) overall record, including three NCAA Tournament appearances in the 2012-13, 2014-15, and the 2021-22 seasons. In NSIC games, she owns a 131-80 (.620) career record. 
 
Player to Watch: Junior Joey Batt was named MSU's Player to Watch. Batt started and played in all 28 games and was named to 1st team All-NSIC. She the Mavericks number one ranked NSIC offense in scoring averaging 15.5 points per game. Placed second in the NSIC in free throw percentage shooting 81.9% and set career high in scoring with 32 points against Concordia-St. Paul (11.23.21). First in the NSIC and 12th in the nation in assist/turnover ratio at 2.31. Second in NSIC in steals with 67 averaging 2.6 per game and hauled in 94 rebounds averaging 3.4. For the first round of the NCAA tournament she led Mavericks in scoring in NCAA Tournament against Fort Hays with 21. Named to NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence. 
 
About Winona State: The Warriors are part of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and hold a record of 6-0 (1-0 NSIC). The team is coached by Ana Wurtz who is in her first season as head coach. 
 
The Warriors are averaging 69 points and 35 rebounds per game this season. 
 
Alex Dornfeld is leading the Warriors with 20.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Caitlin Riley is averaging 11.7 points and 2.3 three pointers per game. 
 
Thursday's game will mark the 67th meeting between both teams. Last match up between the Mavericks and the Warriors was February 19, 2022 where Minnesota State prevailed in Taylor Center 78-55. The Mavericks lead the all-time series 43-23. 
 
About Upper Iowa: The Peacocks are part of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and hold a record 4-2 (0-1 NSIC). 
 
The team is coached by Justin Maass who is in his first season as a Peacock. 
 
The Peacocks are averaging 72.8 points and 34.8 rebounds per game. 
 
Lydia Haack is leading the Peacocks averaging 19.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Katie Tornstrom is averaging 13 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. 
 
Saturday's game will mark the 31st meeting between both teams. Last match up between the Mavericks and the Peacocks was February 17, 2022, where Minnesota State won on the road by 91-67. The Mavericks lead the all-time series 30-0. 
 
 
Coming up: Minnesota State continues its NSIC schedule hosting Wayne State Friday Dec. 9 at 5:00 p.m., and Augustana Saturday Dec. 10 at 5:00 p.m.