WINONA, Minn. — The No. 2-ranked Minnesota State women's basketball team (8-0, 2-0 NSIC) strengthened its undefeated start with an 87-80 victory over Winona State (4-4, 1-1 NSIC) on Thursday, Dec. 4 at McCown Gymnasium. MSU's defensive pressure once again proved decisive, generating 22 turnovers that led to 18 points. The Mavericks also controlled the inside game, producing 46 points in the paint to carry them past the Warriors.
Sophomore Elisabeth Gadient sparked the offense with 19 points on seven of fourteen shooting, including a pair of three pointers, while Natalie Bremer delivered a game high 22 points along with nine rebounds and two steals. This marked Bremer's third straight outing with more than 20 points. Rhyan Holmgren added twelve points and three steals as she continued to impact both ends of the floor, while Lucy Leininger contributed eight points, three assists, and two steals, giving the Mavericks steady production in key moments.
Minnesota State started the game assertively, with Hannah Herzig assisting Bremer on a 3-pointer at 8:37, sparking an early lead. Bremer's defensive prowess was evident as she recorded a steal leading to a layup, contributing to a 7–2 run. Despite the Warriors' efforts to keep pace with points in the paint, the Mavericks maintained momentum through swift transitional plays.
As the first quarter progressed, the Mavericks capitalized on Winona State's turnovers, with Holmgren scoring key free throws and a layup to regain the lead. Mackenzie Schweim's fast-break 3-pointer in the final seconds solidified MSU's advantage as the quarter closed with the Mavericks leading 26–23.
The team began the second quarter with a significant contribution from Bremer, who scored early, setting the tone for the visitors. A key stretch included a 6-0 run capped by Gadient's layup and jumper, extending the lead to 35–28.
Defensively, the Mavericks capitalized on turnovers, with steals from Gadient and Mallory Czinano leading to fast-break opportunities. Leininger contributed by scoring in the paint, and Shantell Harden's 3-pointer at 3:47 further widened the gap. The quarter closed with Schweim hitting a fast-break 3-pointer with 14 seconds left, securing a 49–37 lead over the Warriors, further solidifying Minnesota State's control of the game.
MSU opened the third quarter with a defensive stand, forcing a turnover and converting it into a fast-break layup by Herzig. This set the tone for a productive offensive stretch that included a 3-pointer from Gadient at 9:26, extending the 54-37 lead early in the quarter. The team capitalized on turnovers, forcing eight from WSU, which were converted into seven points off fast breaks.
As the quarter drew to a close, the Mavericks maintained their lead, closing with a fast-break layup and a free throw by Gadient, bringing the score to 71-58 at the end of the third quarter.
Minnesota State started the fourth quarter with a strong defensive stance, maintaining a lead despite early challenges from the Warriors. Holmgren contributed with a crucial jumper at 9:19, extending the lead to 73–61. The quarter saw Winona State close the gap with several 3-point shots, but the Mavericks responded effectively. A timely 3-pointer by Gadient with 1:00 remaining solidified the lead, making it difficult for WSU to mount a comeback. MSU closed out the night with an 87-80 win.
"It's always great to get a road win in this tough conference. However, we're playing with fire right now, and our defensive buy-in has got to improve if we want to take next steps as a team," said Head Coach Emilee Thiesse.
The Mavericks return to Taylor Center on Saturday, Dec. 6, for a 3 p.m. matchup against No. 24 Concordia St. Paul. The afternoon will feature a halftime Teddy Bear toss, and the game will be streamed live on the NSIC Network.
