Mavs hit the road as they travel north looking to bring back wins

Classes are back in session, but it has been business as usual for Minnesota State women’s basketball. While their undefeated streak has come to an end, they look to continue their dominance as they remain atop the standings.

Coming off a tough loss against the University of Minnesota Duluth, the team sits at a record of 12-2 on the season. However, with all the success that has been going in their favor, they now face a massive challenge going into the final months.

This week, the team prepares to start a four-game road trip as they reach the halfway point of the season. Both teams are in the NSIC, each looking to rise in the standings and make a statement win. While this will be the team’s longest road trip of the season, Head Coach, Emilee Thiesse, is prepared and ready to get the team back on track.

“Big focus for us this week is that we got to be a lot more consistent with who we are, and who we are in terms of defense and intensity, where I think we have had some inconsistency, particularly in the fourth quarter, which showed in the Duluth game,” said Thiesse

Their first stop takes them up north for a Friday night matchup against Minnesota Crookston. Currently sitting at 5-3 on the season, the Golden Eagles look to extend their three-game win streak. However, the Mavericks have been a weakness for them as they have beaten them in the last five matchups.

Following that, the Mavericks will have little time to catch their breath as they once again must get back on the road. This time they won’t need to go far, as they will travel to take on Bemidji State in a Saturday afternoon showdown.

While the Beavers have not seen much success this season, they are still one of the Maverick’s biggest rivals. In their last three matchups, each game would be decided by eight points or less. The Mavericks are 2-1 in the last three, proving to be rather challenging for them. 

Despite the challenges, the Mavericks look to rebound after a brutal gut check. hoping to get the ball rolling as they prepare to take on Crookston in their house on Friday night.

“I think Crookston is going to be a great challenge for us, It’s a prime example of a key player that really stirs the drink and gives us the opportunity to work on eliminating those key players and limit them on offense. It’s a great challenge but the big focus is to find out who we are and execute to be the best version of ourselves,” said Thiesse.

Write to Charlie Groebner at Charles.Groebner@mnsu.edu

Header Photo: MSU Women’s Basketball team aims to bring back wins as they travel this weekend to Minnesota Crookston Friday, Jan. 13 and Bemidji State Saturday, Jan. 14. (Dylan Engel)