The Gustavus women’s basketball team defeated host Colorado College 73-61 on Saturday afternoon to claim the Colorado College Thanksgiving Tournament Championship. Jess Vadnais, who scored 26 against Colorado College and 22 in the first game against Marian, was named the Tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Gustavus played a very good first half shooting 54 percent from the field (13-24) and 50 percent from three-point range (5-10) and as a result the Gusties led 34-24 at the intermission.
In the second half, the Gusties continued their strong play and led by as many as 19 points late in the game. Bri Monahan put on a shooting clinic as she made 11-of-15 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free throw line for a total of 27 points. Jess Vadnais was the only other Gustavus player in double figures with 26 points. Vadnais was 8-of-21 from the field including 6-of-13 from three-point range. Monahan joined Vadnais on the All-Tournament Team.
Gustavus, which is now 3-0 on the season, is averaging 69.0 points per game while allowing 50.7 points per game. The Gusties will host Macalester in their MIAC opener on Wednesday at 7:45 pm.