SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Minnesota State (13-0, 7-0 NSIC) defeated the University of Sioux Falls (8-4, 5-2 NSIC), 93-82, at the Stewart Center, capitalizing on 24 points off turnovers. Ranked No. 2 in the country, the Mavericks controlled the paint with 56 points, contributing to their victory.

Senior guard Natalie Bremer delivered a standout performance with 32 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, leading the team offensively while surpassing her season scoring average of 20.92 points per game. With the outing, Bremer raised her career total to 1,956 points, moving past Joey Batt (1,937) into sole possession of second place on the Minnesota State Mavericks all-time scoring list. Bremer now trails only Lisa Walters (2,072).

Guard Hannah Herzig recorded five assists and five steals, contributing significantly to both offense and defense. Mackenzie Schweim tallied 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds, showcasing her presence on the boards. Ava Stier finished with 10 rebounds, including two on the offensive end, while adding nine points and one block.

The Mavericks established an early interior presence in the opening quarter, scoring 12 points in the paint while maintaining a balanced offensive approach. Early layups from Herzig and Haylee Stokes helped create a slim advantage, and despite committing seven turnovers, Minnesota State stayed competitive, tallying six assists on seven made field goals. The tightly contested period featured three ties and three lead changes, with MSU's defense forcing six turnovers. However, the Cougars found success from long range, connecting on four three-pointers, including a late shot that sent Minnesota State into the break trailing 23–18.

MSU responded in the second quarter by erasing an early deficit behind steady scoring from Bremer. The Mavericks took advantage of Sioux Falls turnovers, as Elisabeth Gadient and Schweim delivered timely baskets to reclaim the lead. Gadient continued her recent scoring consistency, marking her fourth straight game with at least 12 points. Strong defensive rebounding fueled transition opportunities, allowing Minnesota State to dictate tempo. Additional paint scoring from Rhyan Holmgren and Shantell Harden sustained the momentum, while Stier secured key rebounds down the stretch. Bremer capped the half with a jumper, giving the Mavericks a 46–36 advantage at halftime.

Minnesota State carried that momentum into the third quarter with an aggressive defensive effort, producing three blocks and five steals while converting turnovers into points. Bremer sparked the offense with a pair of fast-break layups, and the Mavericks maintained efficiency by knocking down two three-pointers and converting five of six free-throw attempts. Sioux Falls struggled to match the pace, as MSU's bench chipped in four points to help widen the margin. The quarter ended with Minnesota State outscoring the Cougars 25–17 to take a 71–53 lead.

Closing out the game, the Mavericks opened the fourth quarter with purpose, highlighted by Bremer's layup off an assist from Hannah Leverson at the 9:49 mark. While Sioux Falls attempted to rally from beyond the arc, Minnesota State continued to assert control in the paint. Midway through the quarter, defensive stops led to key baskets from Gadient, followed by a timely three-pointer from Bremer at 5:11. Herzig's defensive pressure resulted in multiple steals and extended scoring opportunities, while Gadient's steady free-throw shooting helped seal the outcome. Minnesota State closed the contest with a 93–82 road victory, pulling away in the final minutes to secure the win.

"A ton of credit to Sioux Falls and their ability to get us on our heels defensively," said Head Coach Emilee Thiesse. "It took us awhile to get adjusted, but was very pleased with how we dug our heels in to end the first half and build some momentum. We showed some great resiliency tonight to tough one out on the road before we  head into winter break."

The Mavericks will be back on the court Saturday, Jan. 3, traveling to St. Cloud, Minnesota, for a matchup against St. Cloud State at Halenbeck Hall. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. CT, with live coverage available on the NSIC Network.