Kendall Thompson (photo courtesy of David Faulkner, SPX Sports)
SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s basketball team continues its home stand Tuesday night, playing host to Buena Vista University in another non-conference game starting at 7 p.m. The Gusties enter the matchup 2-1 overall, while the Beavers are also 2-1.
THE SERIES
Tuesday night’s game marks the seventh all-time meeting between Gustavus and Buena Vista with the Gusties leading the series 5-1. Last year in the season opener, the Gusties defeated the Beavers 80-73 in Storm Lake, Iowa. The Gusties erased a first half deficit and held off the Beavers down the stretch, making 7-of-8 free throws in the final 23 seconds of the game. Kendall Thompson tallied a then career-high 18 points and went 7-for-8 from the free throw line. Gustavus shot 48.4 percent from the field, and allowed the Beavers to shoot 46.9 percent. The Gusties out-rebounded the Beavers 41-32.
SCOUTING THE GUSTIES
After three games this season, Kendall Thompson and Paige Richert lead the team with 14.0 points per game apiece. Both also lead the Gusties with 4.3 rebounds per game each. Thompson has been a defensive presence with 10 steals. Justine Lee also averages double figure scoring with 10.3 points per game. She leads the team with five three-pointers. As a team, the Gusties average 76.3 points and allow 56.7 per game. From beyond the arc, they are shooting 39.7 percent and average 33.3 rebounds per game. The defense has been strong with 12.3 steals per contest.
SCOUTING THE BEAVERS
Buena Vista most recently went 1-1 at the Wheaton Tournament last weekend, losing to Hanover 63-46 before beating Macalester 57-56. Holly Schneider leads the team with 12 points per game, shooting 46.2 percent from the floor. She also has a team-high 10.7 rebounds per game. Erin Gerke is the next best shooter with 8.0 points per game, while shooting 66.7 percent from the field. Gerke distributes the ball well with 6.0 assists per contest. As a team, the Beavers average 61.3 points and allow 57 per game. They are shooting 38.4 percent from the floor and haul in 39.7 rebounds per game.