Mankato, Minn.  --  Minnesota State junior guard Taylor Theusch poured in 20 points – matching her career-high – as the 17^th-ranked Mavericks downed Sioux Falls, 71-61, Saturday evening in the Taylor Center on the campus of Minnesota State University.

Theusch, who also scored 20 points in MSU's win at Winona State on Dec. 1, finished the night hitting on 8-of-14 shots from the floor, including 3-of-6 from downtown.  Theusch also added a team-high four steals in the win.

The Mavericks raced to a 27-14 advantage after the opening quarter, registering 18 points in the paint in the first ten minutes.  Minnesota State maintained the pressure through the second quarter as the maintained a double-digit lead for the entire quarter en route to a 37-22 halftime advantage.

Theusch lead the Mavericks in scoring in the first half as she scored 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting.  Minnesota State shot 42.5 percent from the floor in the opening half and distributed the ball effectively as it assisted on 14-of-17 (82.5%) of their field goal attempts.  Junior guard Joey Batt led the Mavericks with six helpers in the opening half. 

The Mavericks maintained that double digit lead throughout the second half.

Sophomore forward Emily Russo hauled in a team-high seven rebounds. 

As a team, Minnesota State scored 40 points in the paint.  The Mavericks finished with 20 assists and steals in the win as well.

Minnesota State (18-3, 14-3 NSIC) returns to action Friday as it travels to Wayne State.  Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m.