(Photo courtesy of David Faulkner, SPX Sports.)
SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s basketball team will host Hamline Tuesday for an MIAC quarterfinal matchup. The Gusties enter the contest 17-8 overall and 13-7 in the MIAC while the Pipers are 15-10 overall and 10-10 in the league.
Gusties in the Playoffs: Since the initiation of the six-team MIAC Tournament in the 2000-01 season, the Gusties have qualified for the playoffs every season. They are the only MIAC team who has qualified for every playoff, and they hold a record of 12-19 in their 19 appearances. Gustavus has yet to claim a MIAC playoff title, but has earned seven trips to the NCAA tournament, most recently in 2017-18 when it advanced to the Sweet 16.
Scouting the Gusties: Gustavus ended its regular season with a 77-74 loss at Augsburg Saturday. The Gusties enter the contest ranked third in the MIAC in scoring with an average of 72.8 points per game, while they are fifth in points allowed with 61.4. The Black and Gold have been efficient from the floor, ranking third in the league in both field goal and three-point percentage with marks of 44.8 and 33.9, respectively. Caitlin Rorman has been the teams top scorer thus far, averaging 16.3 points per contest while shooting 61.3 percent from the field which is the eighth highest mark in the nation. Ava Gonsorowski has been the catalyst of the offense at point guard, averaging 13.1 points and dishing out a team-best 3.4 assists.
Scouting the Pipers: Hamline comes into the contest most recently defeating Concordia 79-76 Saturday to secure a MIAC playoff berth. The Pipers rank sixth in the MIAC averaging 65.5 points per game, while they allow 63.0 points which ranks eighth. Hamline has also been solid in ball control, averaging the second fewest turnovers per game with 14.8. Reilly Geistfeld has been the center point for the Pipers this season, averaging 15.7 points to go along with a conference-best 9.4 rebounds. Lydia Lecher has also been solid for Hamline, averaging 12.5 points on 49.4 percent shooting.