NORTHFIELD, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s basketball team got back to its winning ways Saturday afternoon, defeating Carleton 73-43 to improve to 7-6 overall and 4-2 in the MIAC.
Carleton started the game with a 6-4 lead after five minutes, but a Gustie made free throw and layup later gave them a 7-6 advantage and never trailed the rest of the way. Gustavus led 19-9 after the first quarter and took a 36-21 advantage into the locker room at half time, thanks in large part to 14 first half points by Paige Richert (So., Comfrey, Minn.). The Gusties continued to add to their lead in the second half for the convincing victory.
Gustavus shot 41.3 percent from the field and limited the Knights to 29.4 percent. The Gusties forced 24 Carleton turnovers which resulted in just as many points for the visitors. Rebounding was close with a slight 40-39 advantage for Carleton – the 39 Gustie rebounds are the second most this season.
Richert finished with a game-high 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including 7-of-8 free throws. She also added seven rebounds and three steals. Justine Lee (Sr., Dawson, Minn.) and Maddie Wagner (So., New Richland, Minn.) contributed 10 points apiece – a career-high for Wagner.
“We forced a lot of turnovers and our defense was a big generator for our offense,” Head Coach Laurie Kelly said. “It was our first road victory and we needed it. It’s nice to get this win and there are a lot of positives we can take away from this game.”
Gustavus next hosts Saint Ben’s at 7 p.m. Wednesday.