Mankato, Minn. --- #4 Minnesota State remains undefeated and looks to extend its winning streak this weekend in NSIC South Division play visiting Sioux Falls Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

 
Last Time Out: Last week the Mavericks extended their winning streak to 9-0 as they picked up conference wins. MSU hosted last Friday Augustana and won 84-69 and defeated Wayne State on Saturday 98-59.

Stat Pack: As a team Minnesota State is averaging 85.6 points, 42.6 rebounds, 16.0 assists, 2.2 blocks, and 17.1 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.
 
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.

NSIC's Player of the Week: freshman Natalie Bremer was named the NSIC South Division Player of the Week (12/5/2022) for her performance in MSU's two wins over Winona State and Upper Iowa last week. Bremer averaged 20 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals in two Maverick wins. Natalie scored 21 points while shooting 8-of-13 from the field, including a 3-of-7 showing from the 3-point line against Winona State. In her first start of the season, Bremer recorded 19 points, six rebounds, and three steals against Upper Iowa.

NSIC's Player of the Week: Minnesota State junior Joey Batt has been named the NSIC South Division Player of the Week for her efforts against Augustana and Wayne State this past weekend (12/12/22). Batt averaged 17.5 points, 5.0 assists, 4.0 steals and 3.0 rebounds in MSU's two wins, while shooting 56.0% from the field. Batt notched 20 points and five assists against Augustana, before posting 15 points, five assists and five steals against Wayne State. This marks the second consecutive week that a Maverick has been named the NSIC South Division Player of the Week
 
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 785-649 (.547).
 
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 Sioux Falls: The Cougars are part of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and hold a record of 4-7 (1-4 NSIC). The team is coached by Travis Traphagen who is in his 15th season as head coach.
 
The Cougars are averaging 63.8 points and 31.5 rebounds per game this season.
 
Brecli Honner is leading the Cougars with 10.3 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. Megan Fannin is averaging 9.9 points and 1.9 rebounds per game.
 
Friday's game will mark the 20th meeting between both teams. Last match up between the Mavericks and the Cougars was February 5, 2022 where Minnesota State prevailed on the road 86-66. The Cougars lead the all-time series 11-8.  
 
About Southwest Minnesota State: The Mustangs are part of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and hold a record 7-3 (4-1 NSIC). The team is coached by Tom Webb who is in his seventh season as a Mustang.
 
The Mustangs are averaging 78.4 points and 37.7 rebounds per game.
 
Hannah Parsley is leading the Mustangs averaging 14.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Bri Stoltzman is averaging 13.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
 
Saturday's game will mark the 68th meeting between both teams. Last match up between the Mavericks and the Mustangs was February 26, 2022, where Minnesota State won away 89-65. The Mavericks lead the all-time series 45-22.
 
 

Coming up: Minnesota State continues its NSIC schedule on the road facing Concordia-St. Paul Dec. 31 at 1 p.m.


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