ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Gustavus women's basketball team was dominant in all phases of Saturday's game at St. Catherine, resulting in a decisive 89-39 victory. The 50-point margin is the largest since Feb. 5, 2022 while the 89 points scored and 39 allowed are both season bests. The eighth-ranked Gusties remain undefeated at 7-0 overall and 5-0 in the MIAC, while the Wildcats drop to 4-4 overall and 3-3 in the league.
"Defensively we are working really well as a team right now," Head Coach
Laurie Kelly said. "The defense took so much pressure off the offense that it triggered many high percentage shots in transition. We ran the floor well today and it was a great all around performance. Now we can enjoy a break for finals and focus on academics before traveling to Florida over the break."
The first quarter set the tone for the game as Gustavus jumped out to a 32-15 lead and shot 62 percent after 10 minutes of play. The Gustie defense clamped down in the second and third quarters, allowing just seven points in the second and six in the third, while widening the gap to a 50-22 lead at halftime and 71-28 advantage after three. With a decisive lead in the fourth, Coach Kelly was able to clear her bench and the lead grew to as much as 52 points in the final minutes of play.
Gustavus shot 50.8 percent from the floor and more than doubled the Wildcats on rebounds 39-17. The Gusties also forced 30 Wildcat turnovers and had a season-high 21 steals.
Rachel Kawiecki led the offense with 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 18 minutes of play. She added five rebounds, four steals, and two assists.
Syd Hauger was next with 14 points and was perfect from the floor, shooting 6-for-6. Hauger also led the team with five steals and six rebounds.
Kylie Baranick also had six rebounds and added nine points.
The Gusties will enjoy the next 10 days off before traveling to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. for the Cruizin' Classic, where they will play No. 4 Rhode Island College on Dec. 20 and Simpson on Dec. 21.
