ST. PETER, Minn. – After a slow start to Thursday’s non-conference women’s basketball game, Gustavus used a big third quarter, outscoring UW-River Falls 26-13, en route to a decisive 71-50 victory at Gus Young Court. The win moves the No. 12-ranked Gusties to 4-0 on the season, while the Falcons drop to 3-2.
Miranda Rice (Sr., Forest Lake, Minn.) led the Gustavus offense for the third time this season, posting 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the floor, including 8-of-11 free throws and eight rebounds. Mikayla Miller (Sr., Goodhue, Minn.) added 13 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Taylor Anderson (Jr., Rogers, Minn.) contributed 10 points and five boards.
Both teams were sluggish out of the gate with a 12-9 UW-River Falls lead after the first quarter. Gustavus responded with eight straight points and held the lead the rest of the game. The Gusties took a 27-24 advantage into the locker room at halftime.
Three minutes into the second half Gustavus scored 13 unanswered points to gain a 47-27 lead and cruised the rest of the way for the convincing win. UW-River Falls committed 23 turnovers, which Gustavus turned into 26 points. The Gusties also had 12 second chance points and out-rebounded the Falcons 36-22, 16 of which on the offensive glass. Gustavus went to the charity stripe 35 times and made 26 of those shots.
Gustavus begins Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play at home 3 p.m. Saturday against St. Olaf.