ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s basketball team jumped out to a convincing 19-5 lead after the first quarter Saturday at Macalester and led the whole game for a 70-41 victory. The Gusties improve to 13-3 overall and 11-2 in the MIAC, while the Scots drop to 8-10 overall and 6-9 in the league.
Rebounding, taking advantage of the turnover, and efficient play down low proved to be the difference for the Gusties as they out-rebounded the Scots 44-31, forced 19 turnovers, which turned into 20 points, and out-scored the home team 38-18 in the paint. The Gusties out-shot the Scots 40.6-30.6 percent from the field.
It was a true team victory for the Gusties as 13 different players scored, led by Rachel Kawiecki (Fy., Richfield), Anna Sanders (Jr., Vadnais Heights), and Tatum Brostrum (Fy., Prior Lake) with nine points apiece. Kawiecki also led on the boards with nine rebounds.
Leading 4-2 early in the first quarter, the Gusties scored nine straight points and never looked back. The Gusties led by as much as 19 points in the second quarter and took a 38-22 advantage into halftime. The second half was more of the same as the visitors increased their lead to 37 points midway through the fourth quarter, allowing Coach Laurie Kelly to clear her bench.
Gustavus next travels to Saint Mary’s on Wednesday night.