MANKATO, Minn. --- #17 Minnesota State would hold control of the game in its entirety Saturday evening as the Mavericks defeated the Minot State Beavers with a final score of 96-78.

With the win, MSU improves to an overall record of 17-3 and 13-3 within NSIC conference play. With the loss, Minot State falls to a 9-13 overall record and 5-11 within the conference.

It was a back and forth offensive game early on as both squads traded baskets in the opening minutes of the game, with the Mavericks owning a 13-9 lead halfway through the first quarter. A three point shot would be nailed by Minot State's Jaime Skeggs, a freshman guard, but the Mavericks would quickly answer back with a three-pointer of their own knocked down by the sophomore guard Molly Ihle. Sophomore Destinee Bursch would carry a majority of the offensive firepower for the Mavericks, leading the way with eight points to end the first quarter with a 22-19 MSU lead.

To start the second quarter, MSU rolled out with a made three-point shot by junior Taylor Theusch for her fifth point of the game. Another solid offensive effort for the Mavericks led Theusch to make a driving kick out pass to Bursch for three to make the lead seven for Minnesota State. Minot would struggle in the first two quarters finding an answer defensively for the efficient shooting start of MSU. However, a sputter for the Mavericks would let the Beavers climb back to within one with just over three minutes to go in the second quarter. The sputter would only last so long, as freshman Ava Stier nailed a three-pointer for MSU and would make it a 42-36 ballgame. A Bursch three would quickly follow suit and the lead would grow to nine. Minot State closed the second quarter with a three of their own and the Mavericks would lead 45-39 after two quarters.
 
Bursch led MSU in scoring with 15 points and added four assists. Junior Emily Herzberg, would tally eight points with two assists and Joey Batt added seven points to also go along with two assists. As a team, MSU shot 42.5% from the field.

Kennedy Harris led the Beavers at the half with 14 points. Minot State shot 53.3% from the field, while committing 13 turnovers.
 
MSU would jump out quickly in the second half and put together a 9-2 run to start the third quarter. The Beavers continued to commit fouls and turn the ball over throughout the third quarter as MSU would lead by 11 with 5:45 to go. MSU would get a consistent effort in three point makes from their squad, as six different players for the Mavericks knocked at least one three point shot. A three-pointer by Emma Mogen would cut the Beavers' deficit to six, before Theusch would answer back with another three-pointer to make the score 64-55 with just under two minutes remaining in the third. Batt would make both of her free throw attempts upon being fouled and make a tough layup shot then next offensive possession to grow their lead even larger over Minot. Minnesota State would close the third quarter leading 72-55.

For every shot the Beavers made, the Mavericks were able to answer right back and to keep control of the game in their hands for most of the fourth quarter. MSU would have as much as a 19 point lead over Minot State with 5:42 to go in the game. The Beavers were unable to chip away at the Maverick lead as Minnesota State would earn the victory over Minot State 96-78.
Batt and Bursch would each score 20 points, as the team shot a solid 49.3% from the field and generated 22 points off of turnovers. Bursch also passed out eight assists, while Batt recorded six assists of her own.

Kennedy Harris finished with 23 points for Minot State. The Beavers shot a very similar 49.2% from the field.

Minnesota State continues its homestand next Friday with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 pm against Southwest Minnesota State.