SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s basketball team plays its final game before Christmas break tonight against St. Olaf at Gus Young Court. Tipoff between the Gusties (5-4, 2-1 MIAC) and Oles (4-5, 2-1 MIAC) is 7 p.m.
THE SERIES
Tonight’s game marks the 78th meeting between the Gustavus and St. Olaf women’s basketball programs with the Gusties leading the series 53-24. The Gusties have won the last eight matchups, most recently winning 77-47 on Jan. 27 last season. St. Olaf last beat Gustavus 66-64 on Jan, 24, 2014.
SCOUTING THE GUSTIES
Gustavus has won its past two games, most recently defeating Saint Mary’s 65-56 on Saturday. The Gusties have an efficient offense, shooting 41.3 percent from the field, averaging 68.4 points, and 16.1 assists per game, all marks that rank in the top five of the conference. Gustavus’s areas of growth include rebounding (32.2 per game) and defending the shot (42.3 opponents’ shooting percentage). Justine Lee leads the offense with 13.9 points per game, including a strong three-point game (40.5 percent [15-37]). Kendall Thompson and Paige Richert average double figures as well with 12.7 and 11.6 points per game, respectively. Richert leads the team down low with 5.4 rebounds per game.
SCOUTING THE OLES
St. Olaf had its three-game win streak snapped Saturday at St. Catherine by a score of 67-60. The Oles previously beat Johnson & Wales, Macalester, and Carleton. St. Olaf is strong on the boards, leading the MIAC with 45.2 rebounds per game and a +10.3 rebound margin. The Oles shooting 38.3 percent from the field and average 67.3 points per game. K’Lynn Lewis leads the offense with 14.2 points per game and a .426 three-point percentage (20-47). Makenna Ash averages a double-double with 11.4 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. Ella Skrien is the third Ole to average double figures with 10.8 points per game.