Mankato, Minn. --- The  fifth-ranked Minnesota State rallied from a 16-point second half  deficit however it wasn't enough as it dropped a 78-75 decision to #23 Minnesota Duluth Saturday afternoon in NSIC action.  
 
The Mavericks, who trailed 68-52 with 53 seconds remaining in the third period, scored 23 of the game's final 30 points.  Minnesota State eventually took a 73—70 lead with 2:40 remaining when sophomore Emily Russo drained a three. 

Ella Gilbertson then hit a pair of free throws for UMD to cut the Maverick lead to 73-72 before Kaylee Nelson converted a layup with 62 seconds remaining to regain the advantage for UMD.  The layup by Nelson was snapped a nine-minute, 49-second field goal drought, a span which saw UMD go 0-for-7 from the floor during that time.    

Sophomore Destinee Bursch hit a jumper in the paint with 46 seconds to pull the Maverick's ahead 75-74.  Nelson then hit layup with 33 seconds left to regain the lead for UMD before Brooke Olson sealed the victory for UMD with a pair of free throws.

Bursch led the Mavericks with 15 points while junior Joey Batt added 14 and freshman Natalie Bremer rounded out the Mavericks in double figures with ten points. 

The Mavericks (12-2, 8-2 NSIC) return to action on Friday as they travel to Minnesota, Crookston.  Tip is slated for 6 p.m.