BISMARCK, N.D. — The No. 2-ranked Minnesota State women's basketball team (15-0, 9-0 NSIC) defeated the University of Mary (13-5, 6-3 NSIC), 92-60, at McDowell Activity Center, on Friday, Jan. 9, forcing an impressive 27 turnovers and scoring 25 points off those opportunities. The Mavericks held the Marauders to just 11 points in both the first and fourth quarters, securing their 15th consecutive win.
Senior Natalie Bremer was a standout force for the Mavericks, scoring 21 points and collecting three steals. Bremer has now scored 21 or more points in three consecutive games and has surpassed 2,000 career points in this game, becoming the second member of Minnesota State women's basketball history to achieve this milestone. She is now within 72 points of Lisa Walters' all-time program scoring record of 2,072 points.
Senior guard Adeline Kent contributed significantly with a career-high 15 points and three assists. Hannah Herzig showcased her playmaking skills, posting eight assists and eight rebounds. Ava Stier made a strong impact on both ends with six steals and 10 points.
Minnesota State initiated the contestwith a strong offensive performance, highlighted by efficient ball movement and scoring in the paint. Lucy Leininger opened the scoring with a jumper, setting the tone for the visitors. Herzig's multiple assists facilitated scoring opportunities, while Kent's 3-pointer and Mallory Czinano's assist helped extend the lead midway through the quarter. The Mavericks capitalized on turnovers, converting fast-break opportunities into points and maintaining a steady scoring pace. By the end of the first quarter, MSU led 24-11, establishing a commanding advantage through a dominant 14-6 advantage in paint points.
Defense set the tone for MSU in the second quarter, as the Mavericks forced an early turnover and capitalized on the other end. Shantell Harden secured a defensive rebound, followed by a free throw from Hannah Herzig to widen the gap. Herzig stayed aggressive, collecting an offensive rebound and converting the putback. Bremer later added a layup off a Kent assist to keep the momentum on Minnesota State's side. Though the Mavericks endured a brief stretch of turnovers, key rebounds from Rhyan Holmgren and Mackenzie Schweim helped maintain control. UMary closed the half with a late push, but Minnesota State remained in front 33–28 at the break.
The third quarter began with the Mavericks capitalizing on turnovers to gain momentum. Leininger initiated the surge with a fast-break layup following a steal, assisted by Herzig. Bremer then added a critical 3-pointer and a series of successful layups, extending the lead. MSU maintained pressure with efficient shooting and defensive stops, highlighted by Stier's defensive rebound leading to a 3-pointer by Haylee Stokes. The Mavericks outscored the Marauders 28-21 in the quarter, establishing a 61-49 lead heading into the final quarter.
MSU opened the fourth quarter with a strong offensive display. Addison Hoof hit a jumper at 9:27, followed by Kent's three-point play at 8:41, increasing the margin. The Mavericks maintained control defensively, forcing seven turnovers. Hoof converted two fast-break free throws at 4:24, while Stier and Holmgren each made layups to further solidify the lead. The Mavericks continued their scoring surge, including a Kent 3-pointer at 3:20, outscoring the Marauders 31-11 in the quarter, and concluding the game with a decisive 92-60 advantage.
"Tonight was a great reminder for us about who we are and what it takes to win on the road. We got too individualized in the first half and found ourselves a bit out of sync," said Head Coach
Emilee Thiesse. "We settled in and played much better together in the second half. Our defense held us together and that needs to continue to be what we lean on as we push through this challenging conference."
In their next game, Minnesota State will travel to face Minot State on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the Minot State Dome in Minot, North Dakota. The game will be streamed live on the NSIC Network.
