Julia Schultz applies some defensive pressure on the Oles.
The Gustavus women’s basketball team inched another step closer to a regular season conference title with a 67-44 win over St. Olaf at Gus Young Court in St. Peter on Wednesday night. The Gusties used a 22-1 run over an eight minute period in the first half to build a 17-point lead and never looked back on its way to an important win over the Oles. Sophomore Ava Perry turned in an outstanding performance for Gustavus as she scored a career high 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the field including 4-of-5 from behind the arc. Gustavus maintains its position alone atop the MIAC with a record of 16-3 (18-4 overall).
After a slow start that saw Gustavus score only two points in the first five minutes of the game, the Gusties used its defensive pressure to force several St. Olaf turnovers that led to some easy layups. Coach Mickey Haller’s squad trailed the Oles 6-2 at the 15 minute mark, but then outscored St. Olaf 22-1 over the next eight minutes to take a commanding 24-7 lead with seven minutes left to play in the half. The Gusties continued to pull away thanks to four treys by Ava Perry in the final six minutes of the half. Gustavus led 44-12 at the intermission.
St. Olaf would cut into the lead in the second half getting as close as 21 points at 64-43 with 3:26 left to play, but the Gusties finished up with a 23-point, 67-44 victory. Three players scored in double figures for Gustavus including Perry with 18, Molly Mathiowetz with 14, and Molly Geske with 12. St. Olaf was led by Mackenzie Wolter with 15 points.
Gustavus will host Bethel on Saturday at 1 pm.
Ava Perry scored a career high 18 points for the Gusties.