Lady Spartans Ride Strong 2nd Half and Excellent FT Shooting to Win over 2nd Ranked MN West
The M State lady Spartans overcame a slow start in Worthington as they trailed 37-32 at the half against the lady Bluejays of Minnesota West Community and Technical College (ranked #2 in the NJCAA Division III National poll).
The M State lady Spartans overcame a slow start in Worthington as they trailed 37-32 at the half against the lady Bluejays of Minnesota West Community and Technical College (ranked #2 in the NJCAA Division III National poll). M State shot 53% from the field in the second half, made 71.4% (5-7) from 3-point range and hit 100% (15/15) from the free throw line as they outscored Minnesota West 52-41 to win the game by the final score of 84-78.
Jayna Gronewold made all 12 of her free throw opportunities and paced four lady Spartans in double figures with 26 points, while adding 5 assists and 5 rebounds. Itzel Salazar scored 20 points and dished out 5 assists, while coming up with a team leading 3 steals. Madi Foss registered a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Mo Bugbee ended up with 15 points.
The lady Jays were led by 22 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals from Olivia Hayenga and 17 from Dasia Potter. Skyla Petersen finished with 15 and Hattie DeVries contributed 13 points and 5 assists.
M State survived 29 turnovers, while forcing 26 turnovers by Minnesota West. The lady Spartans also held a commanding 44-25 advantage on the boards.
Minnesota West shot the ball well, hitting 52.6% (30-57) of their field goal attempts, but M State made 23-of-27 free throws, outscoring the lady Jays by 10 from the foul line.
M State (7-4, 1-0 MCAC South) will host Riverland at 1:00pm Saturday.