MARSHALL, Minn. — #2 Minnesota State (12-0, 6-0 NSIC) routed Southwest Minnesota State (5-6, 3-3 NSIC), 94-49, capitalizing on single-game team records of 36 steals and 51 turnovers forced to maintain its perfect record. 

"We brought a great defensive edge today," head coach Emilee Thiesse said. "We knew we were going to have to guard the ball well and limit paint touches and our on-ball intensity really set the tone. It took everyone tonight and we got everyone's best!"

This victory marked Minnesota State's 12th straight win, making it the third-best start to a season in team history, trailing only the 17-0 start in the 2008-09 season and the 16-0 start in the 1985-86 season.

Senior Natalie Bremer scored 20 points and recorded seven steals, leading the Mavericks in scoring and defense. With these points, Bremer moved into third place on Minnesota State's all-time scoring list with 1,924 career points, trailing only Lisa Walters (2,072) and Joey Batt (1,937). She has scored at least 20 points in seven games this season.

Sophomore Elisabeth Gadient added 14 points and also registered seven steals, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts. Senior Hannah Herzig posted 11 points and four steals, showing strong play on both ends of the court. Senior Ava Stier finished with 12 points and five rebounds, adding depth to the team's offensive and defensive plays.

Minnesota State initiated play with defensive intensity, forcing turnovers that led to quick points. Senior Mackenzie Schweim capitalized early with a layup following a steal. The team continued to build momentum, with Stier and Bremer contributing key buckets in the paint. The Mavericks effectively pressured the Mustangs, generating eight steals in the quarter.

The visiting team extended its lead, converting free throws and executing fast breaks to maintain control. Herzig added a layup and a free throw to further widen the gap. The Mustangs managed a late response with a 3-pointer from Audrey Swanson as the quarter closed. Minnesota State led 21–10 at the end of the first quarter.

Minnesota State opened the second quarter with a dominant fast-break offense led by Gadient, who scored a layup just six seconds into the quarter and followed up with a steal that led to a Bremer jumper. Gadient and Bremer spearheaded several scoring runs, contributing to a total of 12 fast-break points. The Mavericks capitalized on the Mustangs' turnovers, with Gadient and Herzig each making crucial steals that translated into points.

Defensively, Minnesota State was formidable, forcing 13 turnovers and collecting eight steals, which helped maintain control throughout the quarter. The team excelled in the paint, outscoring the opponent 14-6 in that area. Despite a late three-pointer by Southwest Minnesota State, the Mavericks closed the quarter leading 43-21.

Minnesota State opened the third quarter with a decisive sequence, capitalizing on the Mustangs' turnovers to drive a significant scoring run. Bremer's defensive efforts set the tone with multiple steals, converting opportunities into fast-break points. The Mavericks' offense was efficient, shooting 14-for-22 from the field, including a fast-break 3-pointer by Schweim, extending their lead effectively.

Defensively, the Mavericks dominated by forcing 18 turnovers and securing 14 steals in the quarter. Gadient and Haylee Stokes contributed significantly with key assists and points in the paint, allowing Minnesota State to build a commanding presence. The quarter concluded with Minnesota State leading 74–32, firmly ahead of the Mustangs.

Minnesota State maintained their momentum in the fourth quarter with strategic scoring and defensive plays. Stier opened with a layup at 9:18, bolstering their lead. The team capitalized on turnovers, with Payton Morgan converting a fast-break 3-pointer at 3:24, extending their advantage.

Defensively, Minnesota State forced the Mustangs into seven turnovers and secured six steals, which limited the home team's scoring opportunities. As the clock wound down, Freshman Addison Hoof added a layup at 0:44 to solidify their lead. The Mavericks closed the quarter with a 94-49 victory, outscoring Southwest Minnesota State 20-17 in the final frame. Impressively, Minnesota State set a team record by forcing 51 turnovers in the game.

Audrey Swanson led the Mustangs with 11 points, connecting on 4 of 8 from the field, including two 3-pointers. She also contributed eight rebounds, with six on the defensive end. Brynn Busse added four steals and scored four points, while Elizabeth Wagner chipped in with four points, three rebounds, and three assists. Kylan Gerads recorded six points and collected four rebounds, adding a steal to her stat line.

In their next game, the Mavericks will travel to face Sioux Falls on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. at the Stewart Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.