SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The Minnesota State women's basketball team (29-1, 21-1 NSIC) powered past the University of Mary (23-10, 15-7 NSIC) with an 80-56 win in the NSIC Tournament semifinal on Monday, March 2 at the Sanford Pentagon. The No. 3-ranked and tournament top-seeded Mavericks forced 22 steals and turned them into 36 points off turnovers, punching their ticket to the NSIC Tournament championship game.

Natalie Bremer was the star of the night, dropping 26 points on 9-of-15 shooting and a perfect 7-for-7 from the line. Her performance etched her name in the history books as the all-time leading scorer in Minnesota State basketball, covering both men's and women's records. Sophomore Rhyan Holmgren chipped in with 12 points and three steals, while Ava Stier added 11 points and six steals. Mackenzie Schweim was solid with 14 points, including two triples, and pulled down five rebounds.

The Mavericks set the tone early with stifling defense. An early steal by senior Hannah Herzig at 9:51 led to a Bremer layup, setting the stage for a game dominated by Maverick hustle. Adeline Kent was a playmaker, dishing assists and swiping steals to keep the game flowing in MSU's favor.

Minnesota State took full advantage of turnovers, racking up 7 points off them in the first quarter and showed their strength in the paint with 12 points. Stier and Schweim combined for critical baskets, ensuring the Mavericks stayed in control.

As the quarter wound down, MSU extended their edge to 22-20, holding off a late Marauder push with three-pointer in the closing seconds.

The Mavericks began the second quarter with defensive intensity, forcing multiple turnovers. Kent orchestrated the offense, leading to a transition layup that pushed the lead to 28-20. Bench contributions were crucial, adding six points in the quarter.

UMary attempted a comeback with a couple of threes, but MSU stayed composed. Bremer's free throws kept them ahead, and a late jumper from Hannah Leverson secured a 36-32 halftime lead for the Mavericks.

In the third quarter, Minnesota State again capitalized on turnovers. Schweim's layup at 7:58 and a three-pointer at 7:03, assisted by Bremer, built momentum. The Maverick defense was relentless, forcing nine turnovers and clamping down on Marauder scoring chances.

Bremer continued her offensive clinic with a jumper at 1:07, maintaining MSU's lead. Stier's defensive efforts were crucial, as she grabbed multiple rebounds and a vital steal. The Mavericks ended the quarter ahead 54-44.

The fourth quarter saw Minnesota State ramp up the pressure, forcing turnovers and seizing fast-break opportunities. Holmgren delivered a quick layup, and Bremer added more points in the paint. The Mavericks limited UMary to just 12 points in the final stretch, dominating the boards with 16 rebounds.

As the game wound down, MSU kept their foot on the gas with a commanding scoring run, including a clutch 3-pointer from Schweim. By the final buzzer, the Mavericks had stretched their lead to a decisive 80-56 victory.

Looking ahead, the Mavericks gear up for the NSIC Tournament Championship on Tuesday, March 3, to face either Concordia-St. Paul or Minnesota Duluth. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. inside the Sanford Pentagon. The contest can be streamed live on Midco Sports ($).