MANKATO, Minn. — The No. 5-ranked Minnesota State women's basketball team (7-0, 1-0 NSIC) defeated the UW-Parkside (4-3, 0-0 GLIAC), 85-73, on Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Taylor Center, capitalizing on 19 steals and 26 points off turnovers.
Senior Natalie Bremer led MSU with 35 points, converting 13 of 22 field goals, including four 3-pointers, and recorded four steals.
Haylee Stokes contributed nine points and added two steals, while also blocking one shot. Sophomore
Elisabeth Gadient scored 11 points, converting 4 of 9 shots, and collected four rebounds.
Ava Stier secured six rebounds and tallied three steals in the game.
Minnesota State opened the game strong, jumping to an early 4-0 lead with efficient scoring and pressure defense. The Mavericks forced 10 turnovers in the first quarter and turned them into points, while also getting key contributions from their bench. Big shots from Gadient, Bremer, Adeline Kent, and Mackenzie Schweim helped extend the lead, and strong rebounding fueled fast-break opportunities. MSU matched Parkside's production in the paint and shot 56% from the field, including three 3-pointers. Despite a late push from the Rangers, the Mavericks closed the quarter ahead 25–20.
Bremer's early steal and layup at 9:43 set the tone for the second quarter as Minnesota State sought to maintain their lead. The senior continued to influence the game with a pair of free throws and a 3-pointer, extending the advantage to 32-26. Despite the Rangers' effort to close the gap with points in the paint, the Mavericks responded with defensive stops and efficient shooting, including another 3-pointer by Bremer at 4:22, assisted by Mallory Czinano. As the quarter progressed, MSU capitalized on the Rangers' turnovers, executing fast breaks and maintaining their scoring momentum. Stokes contributed with a fast-break layup and a free throw, pushing the lead to 40-27. Although the Rangers narrowed the margin with a late 3-pointer, the Mavericks. closed the half, 43-37.
MSU capitalized on turnovers in the third quarter, forcing 10 from the Rangers and converting them into seven fast-break points. Bremer led the charge with multiple steals and a key 3-pointer at 2:06, contributing significantly to the offensive surge. The Mavericks' defense was instrumental, recording eight steals and limiting their opponent to just three field goals. The home team closed the quarter by extending their lead, finishing with a score of 66-51.
The Mavericks maintained their advantage throughout the fourth quarter, despite turnovers early in the period. Kent and Czinano contributed key buckets, helping the team maintain momentum. Defensive efforts, including steals by Hannah Herzig and Lucy Leininger, killed the Rangers' attempts to close the gap. As the quarter progressed, Minnesota State capitalized on free throws and points in the paint. Gadient and Stier added crucial points, while Bremer solidified the lead with successful free throws and a layup in the final minutes. The Mavericks finished strong, securing an 85–73 victory.
"We are pleased with how we are responding in the second half and finding an edge coming out of the locker room," said Head Coach Emilee Thiesse. "With the conference season around the corner, our focus continues to be how we can commit to our half court defense more consistently."
Looking ahead, MSU will face WSU on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. The game will take place at McCown Gymnasium in Winona, Minn. The contest can be streamed live on the NSIC Network.
