ST. PAUL, Minn. - Gustavus women's basketball used a stellar defensive effort to hold off Macalester, 56-40, on Saturday. The Gusties held the Scots to 10 or less points in three of four quarters and led in steals 13-2 to hold Macalester to their second lowest point total this season. 

It took the Gusties over two and a half minutes to find the hoop, with Macalester being able to take an early 5-0 lead. Junior classmates Peyton Stevermer (Mankato, Minn.) and Ella Peters (River Falls, Wis.) both scored two to cut the lead down to one on consecutive possessions after they found their rhythm, and soon after took a 9-6 lead thanks to Peters scoring five points in a row, a jumper and a three. The Scots matched wits with five themselves, but sophomore Olivia Grothaus (Hudson, Wis.) and junior Kendyl Queensland (Grand Meadow, Minn.) were able to extend the lead back to four with layups. As time expired, the Scots made a three-pointer, closing the quarter with a 15-14 Gustavus lead. After a rough first quarter and half shooting on Wednesday, the Gusties came out with a better clip, shooting 33 percent (6-for-18) from the field and led the rebounding battle with 12 rebounds compared to Macalester's 10. 

The second quarter was where the Gusties created a cushion for themselves, outscoring the Scots, 20-10. Both teams traded baskets for the first four minutes of the quarter, with each team scoring eight. It was there that Gustavus held the Scots scoreless for almost six minutes of game time, going on a 12-0 run. Five different players scored for the Gusties on the run, led by Peters and Grothaus with three-point makes. Macalester, once again, scored on their last possession of quarter and half, making a jumper to bring the lead down to 11 heading to the locker room. The Gusties shot exceptionally well, going 9-for-18 (50 percent) from the field, 2-for 5 (40 percent) from three, and did not touch the charity stripe. In addition to a good shooting performance, Gustavus held the Scots without a three-pointer in the quarter, going 0-for-6. 

The first five minutes of the second half was a continuation of the same defensive control of the first half for the Gusties, holding Macalester to two points. In addition, Stevermer, Queensland, and sophomore Bella Sutch (Blaine, Minn.) added six points, bringing the lead up to 15. A Scot layup cut the run, but Queensland scored again and classmate Anna Goodman (Lakeville, Minn.) scored her first three points of the game, extending the margin to 18 with 3:51 remaining. The lead would rise to as much as 19 with 25 seconds left, but for the third quarter in a row, Macalester would score on their last possession of the quarter to bring the score to 49-32 with 10 to play. 

Stevermer would heat up midway through the fourth, making a trey and adding a layup to reach double digits, extending the lead to 20. The Scots would score the last four points, including on their last possession of the quarter for the fourth and final time, but the scoreline was decided, as Gustavus would top the Scots, 56-40. Both teams made three shots in the quarter, with Stevermer making the only three for either team as both teams stayed below 10 points. 

Gustavus shot 35.4 percent (23-for-65) from the field and 5-for-15 (33 percent) from beyond the arc, while holding the Scots to a 15-for-49 (30.6 percent) clip from the field and a remarkable 3-for-21 (14.3 percent) from deep range. The Gusties only shot seven free throws, making five to shoot slightly above their season average. The visitors held a small advantage on the glass, 41-38, including 12 offensive rebounds which accounted for six second chance points.Gustavus also dominated in forcing turnovers, leading in steals 13-2 which led to 20 points off turnovers and 15 fastbreak points. 

Peters led with 14 points and tied with Queensland for the most rebounds at seven. Goodman led with 33 minutes played and was responsible for six assists and three steals. Three steals was what three Gusties were good for, Goodman, Peters, and Stevermer to help lead to 13 total. 

Gustavus women's basketball (14-7, 10-4 MIAC) makes their first trip to Northfield this season to take on Carleton (7-14, 4-10 MIAC) at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday.