SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s basketball team returns to the hardwood Saturday afternoon after enjoying more than two weeks off for the holiday break as it takes on Coe College. Tipoff between the Gusties (6-4) and Kohawks (6-4) is 2 p.m. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
THE SERIES
Saturday’s game marks just the second meeting between Gustavus and Coe in women’s basketball with the Gusties leading the series 1-0. Last season on Dec. 22, the Gusties defeated the Kohawks 79-45 in Saint Peter. In that matchup, the Kohawks made the first basket of the game but that would be their last lead of the night as the Gusties scored seven unanswered and controlled the pace of play the rest of the game. The Gusties led 16-10 after the first quarter and turned it on in the second, outscoring the Kohawks 30-11 for a 46-21 advantage at halftime. Gustavus held at least a 20-plus-point lead throughout the second half and Coach Kelly was able to get all 16 players in the game.
SCOUTING THE GUSTIES
Gustavus last played Dec. 12 against St. Olaf and won 64-58. The Gusties have won their past three games with their last loss coming at Saint Benedict on Dec. 1. Through 10 games, the Gusties average 68 points and allow 57.9 per game. They shoot 41.0 percent from the field and 29.1 percent from three-point range. The Black and Gold distributes the ball well, averaging 15.9 assists per game. Kendall Thompson leads the offense with 13.7 points per game and is the leading rebounder as well, hauling in 5.2 per game. She also leads the team with 37 steals. Justine Lee and Paige Richert average double figure scoring with 13.5 and 10.6 points per game, respectively.
SCOUTING THE KOHAWKS
Coe most recently lost 64-56 against Marietta College at the Cruizin’ Classic in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on Dec. 21. The day prior, the Kohawks defeated Arcadia 77-72 in double overtime. Through 10 games, Coe averages 67.6 points and allows 61 per game. The Kohawks own a +4.8-rebound margin and haul in nearly 40 per game. Jackie Feldt and Madeline Wilkins lead the offense with 15.2 and 15.0 points per game, respectively. Taylor Huber leads the team down on the blocks with 6.2 rebounds per game. Sydney Schroder distributes the ball with 56 assists.