SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s basketball team is set to take on Saint Benedict on Saturday afternoon in the MIAC opener. Tipoff between the Gusties (3-3) and Bennies (2-3) is 1 p.m.
THE SERIES
Saturday’s game marks the 76th meeting between the Gustavus and Saint Benedict women’s basketball programs with the Bennies leading the series 48-27. Last season the Bennies won the regular season matchup 66-62, but the Gusties got revenge eight days later in the MIAC semifinals with a 61-53 victory. It marked the first time Gustavus won a MIAC playoff game on the road.
SCOUTING THE GUSTIES
The Gusties are looking for their first road victory of the season as they are 3-0 at home and 0-3 on the road, most recently losing 55-49 at UW-La Crosse on Thursday. After six non-conference games to start the season, Gustavus averages 70 points per game and allows 57.5 points. The Gusties distribute the ball well, averaging 16.3 assists per game, which ranks second in the MIAC. Kendall Thompson leads the offense with 14 points per game. She also leads the team with five rebounds per game. Justine Lee and Paige Richert average double figures as well with 12.2 and 10.2 points, respectively.
SCOUTING THE BENNIES
After winning their first two games of the season, the Bennies have dropped their last three, most recently falling at UW-Superior 77-52 on Wednesday. Saint Ben’s averages 65.8 points per game and allows 71 points. It is the best team in the MIAC at distributing the ball with 17.4 assists per game. The Bennies also play disciplined basketball with a league-low 14 personal fouls per game. Megan Thompson leads the offense with 14.8 points per game, shooting 43.9 percent from the field. Maddie Schmitz and Alex Johnson also average double figures with 11.2 and 10 points, respectively. Johnson leads the team down on the blocks with eight rebounds per game.