CROOKSTON, Minn. — The No. 2-ranked Minnesota State women's basketball team (21-0, 15-0 NSIC) showcased their dominance once again, cruising past Minnesota Crookston (5-16, 4-11 NSIC) with a 98-70 victory at Lysaker Gymnasium on Friday, Jan. 30. MSU took full advantage of the Golden Eagles' 41 turnovers, turning them into 36 points and maintaining their spotless record.
"With five players in double figures, our balanced attack was big for us tonight against the zone defense," said Head Coach
Emilee Thiesse. "We were very pleased with the consistent energy. Despite a third quarter run by Crookston, we stayed resilient and found a way to respond with a great punch to finish the game."
Lake City, Minn. native, Natalie Bremer spearheaded the offense with 18 points and three steals. Senior Mackenzie Schweim added 15 points, going a perfect five-for-five from the line. Hannah Herzig was a defensive powerhouse with five steals, contributing 12 points for her second consecutive game with double-digit scoring. Senior forward Ava Stier chipped in 11 points and snagged eight rebounds, rounding out the Mavericks' solid performance.
MSU exploded out of the gate in the first quarter, powered by Schweim's early 3-pointer at 9:50. Their defense was relentless, forcing 10 turnovers and converting them into 12 points. Herzig's back-to-back steals and fast-break layups set the tone early.
Offensively, the Mavericks owned the paint with 16 points and added six fast-break points. Bremer's contributions included a crucial tip-in and a late 3-pointer. The quarter ended with sophomore Hannah Leverson nailing a 3-pointer, pushing the lead to 34–16.
In the second quarter, Minnesota State kept up the pressure, turning turnovers into 10 points. Haylee Stokes and Adeline Kent were pivotal, scoring key baskets to widen the gap. Shantell Harden's defensive prowess was on full display, with multiple steals that disrupted UMC's rhythm. Despite some resistance, the Mavericks went into halftime up 50-28.
The third quarter saw MSU maintain their offensive firepower, with Bremer's jumper and Herzig's layup setting the pace early. The Mavericks continued to capitalize on turnovers, with Bremer and Rhyan Holmgren leading defensive efforts that extended the lead. Holmgren's consistent free-throw shooting was instrumental in maintaining the buffer, as the Golden Eagles tried to claw back. Holmgren also added a critical 3-pointer at 3:35, closing the quarter at 73-52.
In the fourth quarter, Minnesota State overcame early pressure from the Golden Eagles. Ava Stier's tip-in at 7:30 was vital in keeping the momentum. The team excelled in second-chance opportunities and controlled the paint, further widening their lead.
As the quarter progressed, MSU's defense clamped down, leading to fast-break points. Stokes and Bremer connected on several plays, amplifying the lead. Mallory Czinano and Natalie Mueller's free throws kept the Mavericks comfortably ahead.
As time ticked away, Minnesota State capitalized on Crookston's fouls, with Addison Hoof and Leverson adding crucial points from the line. The final quarter saw the Mavericks outscore the Golden Eagles 25–18, wrapping up the win at 98–70.
Up next, the Mavericks head to MSU Moorhead for a showdown on Saturday, Jan. 31 streamed on the NSIC Network. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. at Nemzek Fieldhouse in Moorhead, Minnesota.
