Mankato, Minnesota — #6 Minnesota State is undefeated and looking to extend its winning streak this weekend when NSIC South Division hosts Augusta at 5:00pm Friday and Wayne State hosts Augusta at 5:00pm
last minute: The Mavericks extended their winning streak to seven games last week with two division victories. MSU last visited Winona State and won 88-69, followed by an 83-54 home win over Upper Iowa State.
Statistics package: As a team, Minnesota State is averaging 84.0 points, 45.0 rebounds, 16.6 assists, 2.0 blocks and 17.0 steals.
Preseason Outlook: The Mavericks finished first in the NSIC preseason coaches poll with 216 points and eight first-place votes.
Minnesota State junior Joey Bart Scored 31 points in MSU’s 80-71 win over UW-Parkside. In doing so, Bart became the 23rd member of the Minnesota 1,000-point club. Butt ranks 22nd in Minnesota State in career scoring with 1,007 points.
NSIC’s Player of the Week: newborn Natalie Bremer She was named NSIC Southern Division Player of the Week (12/5/2022) for her performance in Michigan State’s two-time win over Winona State and Upper Iowa State last week. Bremmer averaged 20 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals in the Mavericks’ two wins. Natalie scored 21 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the field, including 3-for-7 from beyond the arc against Winona State. In his first game of the season, Bremer had 19 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals against Upper Iowa State.
Minnesota History: The 2022-23 season marks the 58th season in the history of the Minnesota women’s basketball program, dating back to 1966. During that time, the Mavericks have a 783-649 (.546) record.
Returning Mavericks: The Minnesota women’s basketball team welcomes nine players and two starters from last year’s team.primary Joey Bart Started all 28 games, averaged 15.5 points per game, had 72 steals and 3.4 rebounds per game as a junior Taylor Tesch He started 21 games and averaged 8.6 points and 1.5 rebounds per game.second grade Destination Bosch Played in all 28 games, averaging 11.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.
Fresh faces: The Mavericks welcome six freshmen for the 2022-2023 season. Natalie Bremmer From Lake City, Minnesota, Delaney Lunekas from Iowa City, Iowa, Hannah Herzig From Lake Lino, Minnesota, Mackenzie Schwim From Mankato, Minnesota, Lily Newton from Hastings, MN, last Ava Steele from Waconia, MN
Walking on the sidelines: head coach emily theis This is her 11th season at the helm. She amassed a 177-106 (.625) overall, including three NCAA Tournament games in 2012-13, 2014-15 and 2021-22. In NSIC games, she holds a career record of 131-80 (.620).
Players to watch: primary Joey Bart Named MSU’s Player to Watch. Butt started and played in all 28 games and was named to the All-NSIC first team. She was No. 1 with the Mavericks, averaging 15.5 points per game. 81.9 percent free throw percentage was second in NSIC and set a career high with 32 points against Concordia-St. Paul (11.23.21). An assist/turnover ratio of 2.31 ranks first in NSIC and 12th nationally. NSIC averaged 2.6 steals per game for 67 and grabbed 3.4 rebounds per game for 94. In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, she led the Mavericks in scoring in the NCAA Tournament against Fort Hays with 21 points. Named to the NSIC All-Academic Excellence Team.
About Augusta: Part of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, the Vikings are 7-1 (2-1 NSIC). The team is coached by Dave Krauth, in his 34th season as head coach.
The Vikings are averaging 79.1 points and 40.5 rebounds this season.
Ainslinn Duffy led the Vikings with 18.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Lauren Heath averaged 14.8 points and 3.0 rebounds.
Friday’s game will be the 85th meeting between the two teams. The last game between the Mavs and Vikings was Feb. 12, 2022, when Minnesota State won 80-72 at Taylor Center. The Vikings lead the all-time series 52-32.
About Wayne State University: The Wildcats are part of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and hold a 6-1 (2-1 NSIC) record. The team is coached by Brent Pollari, who is in his fifth season with the Wildcats.
The Wildcats averaged 78.9 points and 37.1 rebounds.
Lauren Zacharias led the Wildcats with 18.4 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Kassidy Pingel averaged 10.6 points and 4.0 rebounds.
Saturday’s game will be the 35th meeting between the two teams. The last game between the Mavericks and the Wildcats was Feb. 11, 2022, in a 95-58 home win by Minnesota State. The Wildcats lead the all-time series 20-14.
Next: Minnesota continues its NSIC schedule on Friday, December 16 at 5:30pm and on Southwest Minnesota roads Saturday, December 16 at 3:30pm
