The Gustavus women’s basketball team won in convincing fashion Wednesday night 75-51 against the St. Olaf Oles, extending their MIAC-leading home winning streak to 25 games. The Gusties were led offensively by first year guard Jess Vadnais with 18 points and five assists and sophomore Bri Monahan with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Gustavus improved to 8-3 overall and 6-2 in the MIAC, while St. Olaf dropped to 2-9 overall and 1-6 in the MIAC.
Gustavus’ Jess Vadnais hit the Gusties first basket with 2:16 off the clock to end a 4-0 St. Olaf start. Vadnais’ three-point bucket ignited a 10-0 Gustavus run. From 5:31 to 2:36 of the first half, neither team scored a basket until Gustavus made a field goal to take a 32-23 lead. Gustavus ended the first half on a 22-13 run (42-28) with Jess Vadnais leading all scorers with 18 points. Gustavus shot 45.5 percent (15-of-33) from the field and 8-of-11 (72.7 percent) from the charity stripe, while St. Olaf shot 37.5 percent (12-of-32) from the field and 40 percent (4-of-10) from behind the three-point arc.
The Gusties scored 46 of their 75 points in the paint. Gustavus head coach Mickey Haller said they have been working on post touches and fast breaks diligently in practice.