WINONA, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s basketball team took an 81-51 win over Saint Mary’s on Wednesday night.
Paige Richert (Sr., Comfrey) set the tone just ten seconds into the game with a layup to get on the board. Richert would put up three more points before closing the first quarter. The Gusties found strength in the paint with 14 points compared to the Cardinals four, and in bench points with 13 to 5. Gustavus closed the first quarter 27-7.
Saint Mary’s stepped up on defense with eight steals and five blocks to cut the deficit in half to 32-16, limiting the Gusties to just five points in the second quarter.
The Gusties came back stronger after halftime with an impressive .77 field goal percentage, 11 rebounds, and 30 point lead before heading into the final quarter.
Gustavus sealed the deal with 42 bench points compared to Saint Mary’s 26. The Cardinals put on the pressure to keep points tied 20-20. However, the Gusties were too far ahead, finishing with a final of 81-51. Anna Sanders (So., Vadnais Heights) put up 16 points, doubling her season total prior.
“It was a good win for the team,” said Head Coach Laurie Kelly. “We had a fabulous first quarter. We were scoring and defending well. We had a tough second quarter and got complacent at times but made adjustments at halftime to come out with a good mentality. We had twelve people scoring in the second and held them defensively. We played well on the glass, and I think rebounding is continuing to be a strong point for us.”