SAINT PETER, Minn. – After somewhat of a sluggish start Saturday afternoon, the Gustavus women’s basketball team found its footing en route to a 68-45 victory over St. Scholastica. The Gusties improve to 17-4 overall and 15-3 in the MIAC, while the Saints drop to 2-20 overall and 2-18 in the league.
Our staple continues to be our defensive after holding them to 45 points,” Head Coach Laurie Kelly said. “It was fun to have the seniors on the floor together today. They’ve been really important to our leadership and our team chemistry. Playing so many games in a such a short amount of time, our depth has been a huge advantage for us. We are able to play people fewer minutes and save some legs. There is so much at stake this time of year so it’s fun to play in that playoff-type of atmosphere.”
St. Scholastica had an early 5-2 lead to start the game before the Gusties came back with nine consecutive points and held the lead the rest of the way. Gustavus led 33-21 at halftime and continued to increase its lead in the second half for the decisive victory.
The Gusties outshot the Saints 44.4-25.5 percent and won the rebound battle 36-25. The home squad was also efficient on the charity stripe, making 17-of-22 free throws.
Emma Kniefel (So., Medford) led the team shooting 5-for-6 from the field with 14 points. She added three rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Morgan Kelly (Fy., Saint Peter) contributed 13 points off the bench on 4-of-6 shooting, including 5-of-6 from the free throw line. Grace Benz (Sr., Steele, S.D.) was two points away from a double-double with 10 rebounds and eight points.
Gustavus next travels to Hamline on Monday for a 5:45 p.m. tipoff.