SAINT PETER, Minn. - In a battle of previously unbeaten MIAC women's basketball teams, No. 7/8 Gustavus erased a 12-point halftime deficit with a strong third quarter performance, resulting in a 64-60 win over Concordia on Wednesday evening. 

In a slow start from both teams early in the game, Concordia held a slim advantage throughout the first quarter and led 16-13 after 10 minutes. The Gusties were able to tie the game in the first 15 seconds of the second quarter, but the Cobbers ended the first half on a 20-8 run for their largest lead of the game, 36-24, at halftime. Gustavus was limited to just 25 percent shooting in the second quarter and was 0-for-6 from three-point range. 

The Gusties came out of the break with a newfound energy, scoring the first 11 points of the third quarter, bringing to difference to one point at the 5:14 mark. A layup by Syd Hauger at the 2:53 mark tied the game and a layup by Izzy Quick a few moments later gave the Gusties their first lead of the game at 41-39. Morgan Kelly sunk a three-pointer in the final seconds of the third to tie the game 46-46. 

The lead changed hands six more times in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter until a layup by Kelly gave the Gusties a 55-54 lead, one they did not relinquish the rest of the way. With 11 seconds remaining in the game, Kelly made the first of two free throws to extend the Gustie lead to 62-60, but the second free throw missed. Rachel Kawiecki came up clutch by tipping the offensive rebound back to Kelly who was again fouled and made two more free throws to secure the 64-60 win. 

Kelly led all scorers with 19 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the floor, including seven rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench. Kawiecki was next with 12 points and a team-high eight rebounds. 

The Gusties finished the game shooting 38.6 percent from the floor while Concordia shot 36 percent. Gustavus won the rebound battle 40-28. 

Gustavus continues conference play Saturday afternoon at home against Bethel. 
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