Photo courtesy of Sean Arbaut/Minot State Athletic Communications SMSU’s Erin Baxter shoots a 3-pointer during their game against Minot State University on Friday. The Mustangs defeated the Beavers 85-61.

MINOT, N.D. — A hot-start for the Southwest Minnesota State women’s basketball team (8-8, 3-8 NSIC) would help the Mustangs soar to an 85-61 victory over Minot State (3-12, 0-11 NSIC) on Friday night at the MSU Dome.

The Mustangs shot 47 percent from the field (31-of-65), 48 percent from the 3-point line (15-of-31), and shot 100 percent (8-of-8) from the free throw line. The Beavers shot 46 percent (24-of-51) from the field and 33 percent (4-of-12) from beyond the arc.

Sadie Stelter lead the Mustangs with 16 points, followed by Meleah Reinhart with 15, and Jenna Borchers with 14. Borchers and Stelter each finished with four 3-pointers each. Sara Teske grabbed a team-highs even rebounds and finished with seven points.

The Beavers were led by Mariah Payne who finished with 15.

The Mustangs opened the game with three consecutive 3-pointers, two from Borchers and one from Stelter to boost the Mustangs to an early nine-point lead at 11-2.

The Mustangs shot 53 percent and hit a quarter-high five 3-pointers in the first quarter alone to finish the first with a 26-10 lead.

The Mustangs used, yet again, another 26-point quarter to finish the first half advancing their lead to 52-36.

The hot-shooting in the first-half would give the Mustangs their second consecutive conference victory.

Southwest Minnesota State finishes weekend play with a 3:30 tip-off at UMary this afternoon in Bismarck, N.D.

— Content courtesy

of SMSU Athletic

Communications