SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The Minnesota State women's basketball team (25-0, 19-0 NSIC) continued its perfect run with an 86-57 win over Augustana at the Elmen Center on Thursday, Feb. 12. The top-ranked Mavericks relied on a stifling defensive effort, forcing turnovers that resulted in 38 points while owning the paint with 52 points and finishing with a season-high six blocks. With the victory, Minnesota State also secured the NSIC Regular Season Championship.
Leading the way, Natalie Bremer erupted for 32 points on 13-of-19 shooting while adding three blocks to match her career high. The performance marked her third 30-point game of the season and the second time she has finished with exactly 32. Senior guard
Adeline Kent tallied six assists and a steal, while
Hannah Herzig anchored the defense with five steals and three assists.
Mackenzie Schweim converted seven of eight attempts from the free throw line.
MSU set the tone early, turning defense into offense with Kent's steal that led to a Bremer layup. They dominated the paint with 12 points and kept the tempo high. By the end of the first, Minnesota State had edged ahead 16-13, thanks to key plays from sophomore Rhyan Holmgren.
In the second quarter, a three-pointer from Bremer at the 8:20 mark ignited a scoring spree. Herzig and Hannah Leverson orchestrated the offense, pushing the lead with a mix of layups and jumpers. Bremer's three blocks in the quarter helped keep the Vikings at bay. Despite a push from Augustana, the Mavericks held a 39-32 halftime advantage.
Separation came in the third quarter as Minnesota State pieced together a decisive run. Ava Stier's layup, set up by Kent, opened the scoring before Herzig's steal created a Bremer fast-break opportunity that stretched the lead to double figures. Transition baskets from Schweim and Haylee Stokes capped the quarter with the Mavericks in front, 58-49.
Minnesota State dominated the final quarter, starting with a Bremer jumper. She added another layup off a steal, as the Mavericks ruled the paint with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Perfect from the line, they converted all nine free throws, widening the gap. Their defense was rock-solid, with three blocks and steals each, closing the quarter with a dominant 28-8 run to finish 86-57. MSU also set a season-high with six blocks.
Next up, the Mavericks head to Wayne State on Saturday, Feb. 14, for a 1 p.m. showdown at Rice Auditorium in Wayne, Nebraska. The game can be streamed live on the NSIC Network.
