St. Cloud, Minn. -- The St. Cloud State women's basketball team matched up against Minnesota State-Mankato on their home court for a much anticipated NSIC battle this evening. The Huskies were able to come out on top, taking down the Mavericks 69-65. With the win, the Huskies improve to 12-3 overall, 8-3 in the NSIC. Mankato falls to 11-4 overall, 7-4 in conference action.
It was an extremely well-rounded effort by the Husky squad this evening. Four players finished in double-digit scoring totals.
Sophomore forward Jessica Benson (Grand Meadow) and junior guard Rachael Moen (Savage) led the way with 15 points each. Benson also grabbed six rebounds and had two blocks. Moen made 8 of 10 shots from the charity line, two of those coming with just six seconds on the clock to help secure a Husky victory.
Senior guard Amanda Wagner (Webster) and junior guard Sam Price (Eau Claire, Wis.) each added 11 points this evening. Wagner also managed to dish out a team-high four assists and grab five steals.
St. Cloud State ended the first half up 31-23. The Huskies held their lead for the entirety of the second half, but that didn't come without worry. Up by eleven (65-54) with 1:19 left on the clock, the Mavericks had no choice but to foul to regain ball possession. The Huskies missed six free throws in the last minute of the game. As free throws weren't falling, MSU's Aubrey Davis scored seven straight points on three consecutive possessions. With 15 seconds left on the clock, the Huskies lead had fallen to a mere two points, 67-65.
With just six seconds left, Rachael Moen was fouled and made two clutch free throws to end the game at 69-65.
The Huskies forced MSU into 23 turnovers this evening. They outrebounded the Mavericks 44-32.
St. Cloud State will return to Halenback Hall tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m. for another exciting conference match-up. The Huskies will go up against Concordia-St. Paul who currently holds the same NSIC record at 8-3. The Golden Bears are coming off a victory over Minnesota Duluth, 66-53.