SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women's basketball team continued its dominant run to start the season, suffocating the Northwestern-St. Paul offense for a 74-50 win at Gus Young Court on Dec. 14. The Gusties (9-0, 3-0 MIAC) held UNW (3-4 overall) to just 21 points through the first two quarters on just 23.5 percent shooting, while
Kylie Baranick (Sr., Maple Grove, Minn.) helped the offense hit its stride in the victory.
Gustavus shot an impressive 46.8 percent from the field, going 19-for-36 (52.8 percent) from the floor in the first half to take a commanding 30-point lead at the break. Meanwhile, the Eagles struggled to keep the Gusties at bay, turning the ball over nine times in the first two quarters, and allowing seven Gustie offensive rebounds for 12 second chance points. Head Coach
Laurie Kelly was once again able to clear her bench, getting minutes for 18 players, 12 of which scored at least a point in the victory.
The No. 7 Gusties set the tone early, jumping out to a 24-9 lead after the first quarter thanks to a 13-1 stretch, featuring four steals and points from five different players.
Emma Kniefel (5th, Medford, Minn.) posted four in that time, including a layup at the buzzer – her second in as many games – to extend the Gustavus lead early. Northwestern struggled for the back half of the first quarter, missing all of its attempts from the field, getting its only point on a free throw and turning the ball over five times.
The well-oiled Gustavus offense didn't slow down in the second quarter either, as the Gusties went 3-for-5 from long range and 8-for-13 in the frame to lead by 30 at the half. Lexi Hagen scored eight for the Eagles in the second 10 minutes, but couldn't stop Baranick and her team, as the senior missed just one shot in 12 minutes of play in the first half.
Syd Hauger (5th, Springfield, Minn.) went 5-for-6 for 11 points behind Baranick, helping the Gusties to a 17-point scoring run in the second quarter.
Morgan Kelly (Sr., Saint Peter, Minn.) scored seven off the bench after halftime, drawing a trio of fouls and sinking all of her attempts from the line to ensure that the Gusties would outscore Northwestern in the third quarter.
Izzy Quick (5th, Brooklyn Park, Minn.) extended the lead to 32 to end the frame, setting the stage for an all-underclassman fourth quarter. Northwestern scored 16 in the final 10 minutes compared to eight for the Gusties, but Coach Kelly's first-years still dominated the glass, picking up nine fourth quarter rebounds, including three for
Bella DeHaan (Fy., Lakeville, Minn.).
Bella Sutch (Fy., Spring Lake Park, Minn.) closed the game out on a layup from fellow first-year
Anna Goodman (Fy., Lakeville, Minn.), helping the Gusties collect their ninth consecutive win, 74-50.
Eight different Gusties shot 50 percent or better in the game for a team mark of 46.8 percent (29-for-62). Gustavus dominated the game's rebounding, collecting 46 to 24 for the Eagles, including 17 on the offensive end of the court that led to 25 second chance points. Gustavus forced 14 turnovers for 19 points and doubled UNW up on points in the paint, 40-20.
Kelly finished with the team lead in points with 14 on 5-for-9 shooting. Behind her was Baranick, who scored 13 in just 18 minutes of play, followed by Hauger with 11. Quick collected a game-high nine rebounds, followed by Kniefel with seven. Kniefel posted five assists and gave up just one turnover, while also dishing out a team-high three assists.
The Gusties will enjoy two weeks off for the holiday break before returning to Gus Young Court on Dec. 30 to wrap up non-conference competition against Bethany Lutheran (1-9).
