MANKATO, Minn. – The No. 8 Minnesota State women's basketball team (5-0) opens NSIC play on Tuesday, Nov. 25, hosting St. Cloud State (2-2) at 5:30 p.m. inside the Taylor Center. The Mavericks then close out their non-conference schedule at home on Saturday, Nov. 29, with a 2 p.m. matchup against UW-Parkside (3-2). Both contests can be streamed live on the NSIC Network.

About the Mavericks
Minnesota State continues its dominant start to the 2025–26 campaign, entering the week at 5-0 while showcasing one of the most explosive offenses in Division II. The Mavericks have scored at least 94 points in every contest and are averaging 101.6 points per game, outpacing opponents by an average margin of 35 points. MSU is coming off a 94-66 victory over Colorado School of Mines and surged seven spots in the most recent WBCA national poll. The Mavericks will learn their updated position when the next rankings are released on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Under the direction of Head Coach Emilee Thiesse, Minnesota State has continued to elevate its pace, defensive pressure, and offensive depth. The Mavericks are shooting .489 percent from the field and .315 percent from three point range, while converting .784 percent of their attempts at the free throw line. Defensively, MSU applies relentless pressure, forcing 38 turnovers per game and generating 23.8 steals. The Mavericks also own a plus 6.6 rebounding margin, which continues to strengthen their transition game.

Natalie Bremer continues to lead the Mavericks offensively, averaging 17.0 points per game on 47.7 percent shooting. She has connected on 18 of her first 19 free throws and has tallied 11 steals through five contests. Bremer recorded two assists and two steals in MSU's lone game of the week and led the team with 15 points in the win over Colorado School of Mines. 

Hannah Herzig delivered a standout defensive performance against Colorado School of Mines, totaling eight steals to bring her season mark to 19. She also added eight points on 4-of-7 shooting along with an offensive rebound, a defensive rebound, and two assists. The Lino Lakes, Minn. native is averaging 7.0 points and 2.2 assists per game while continuing to anchor MSU's high-pressure defensive identity.

Sophomore guard Elisabeth Gadient and freshman guard Haylee Stokes continue to provide steady production for Minnesota State's backcourt. Gadient has totaled 12 points across the matchups with Edinboro and Mines and is averaging 9.4 points per game. Stokes has made an immediate impact in her debut season, also averaging 9.4 points per game, and recorded 4 steals in the win over the Orediggers. Together, the duo adds efficient scoring and reliable defensive pressure to the Mavericks rotation.

About the Huskies
St. Cloud State enters the week with a 2-2 record and looks to bounce back after a challenging road trip in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Huskies battled closely in both contests, falling 69-77 to then-No. 15 Northern Michigan before dropping a tight 66-69 decision to Michigan Tech. Despite the recent setbacks, SCSU opened its season with momentum at the Central Region Challenge, securing wins over Washburn and Central Oklahoma to start 2-0. Tuesday's meeting with Minnesota State marks the Huskies' second matchup against a ranked opponent this year, providing another early-season test. 

Statistically, SCSU averages 67.2 points per game while shooting .412 from the field, .268 from beyond the arc, and an excellent .849 at the free throw line. The Huskies add 37.8 rebounds, 15.5 assists, 16.8 turnovers, 8.2 steals, and 3.5 blocks per contest, showing balance across their lineup.

The program continues to be guided by veteran head coach Lori Fish, who is in her 18th season leading St. Cloud State and her 32nd overall in collegiate coaching. Fish carries a 341-242 career record, including a 279-189 mark during her tenure at SCSU with a 203-154 record in NSIC play, solidifying her as one of the conference's most experienced and respected leaders. 

On the court, junior guard Alana Zarneke has emerged as the Huskies' top scoring threat, leading the team with 74 total points and averaging 18.5 per game while contributing 3.8 rebounds and 11 steals, including four in the season opener against Washburn. 

Senior guard Jada Eggebrecht has been another key piece, averaging 12.8 points per game and posting standout performances of 19 points against Washburn and 16 against Central Oklahoma. 

Historically, the series has leaned toward St. Cloud State, but Minnesota State has claimed the last four meetings, including a convincing 96-61 win on the road in Feb. 2025 as the Mavericks continue to narrow the all-time gap of 47-65.

About the Rangers
UW-Parkside brings a 3-2 record into the week and resumes play with momentum on its side after splitting a competitive home weekend. The Rangers came up just short in a 65-61 battle with Maryville but answered with a strong 82-73 win over Missouri–St. Louis. Their final tune-up before traveling to Mankato, Minn., comes against Lewis on Tuesday, Nov. 25. The matchup with Minnesota State will also mark Parkside's first ranked test of the season.

The Rangers are averaging .638 points per game with shooting marks of .414 from the floor and .283 from deep. On defense, they're holding opponents to 57.8 points and .357 shooting, while maintaining a +2.2 edge on the boards and grabbing 38.2 rebounds per contest.

Parkside continues to be led by Head Coach Jen Conely, who stepped into the role in July 2018. She guided the program to one of its standout campaigns last year, finishing 18-10 for the program's highest win total in nearly a decade.

On the court this year, sophomore guard Katie Hamill sets the tone offensively with 17.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, supported by an impressive 38.7 percent clip from three and 90.9 percent shooting at the free-throw line. 

Point guard Peighton Nelson continues to orchestrate the offense, averaging 5.0 assists per game, highlighted by her eight-assist showing against Missouri–St. Louis.

Lillie Petersen chips in 10.8 points per game while pacing the Rangers in rebounding at 7.8 per contest. She showcased that impact in their most recent matchup, where she totaled 20 points and nine rebounds.

Minnesota State has historically controlled the series, holding a 10-0 record against Parkside, including a 4-0 mark in games inside the Taylor Center. The two programs first met in 1988, and their most recent matchup came last season in Kenosha, Wis. where the Mavericks earned an 82-75 victory.