BSU unable to overcome Winona State, fall 81-64

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University women’s basketball team was unable to overcome Winona State University’s offensiive prowess along with their defensive pressure on Friday night as they fell 81-64 at BSU Gymnasium. The Beavers fall to 3-4 (0-3 NSIC). Winona State finished the night with the unblemished record they came into the night with as they move to 6-0 (2-0 NSIC).

Bemidji State was led by Colleen McKay (Sr., C, Barnum, Minn.) who tallied 14 points and seven rebounds on the night. McKay had eight points and six rebounds in the first eight minutes of Friday night’s contest against the Warriors. Jessie Althoff (So., F/C, Becker, Minn.) added 12 points including seven in the second half. Samantha Baldwin (Jr., G, St. Thomas, N.D.) finished the night with seven points, three boards and three assists. Freshman Morgan Lee (G, Hayward, Wis.) chipped in seven points.The Beavers shot 48.1 percent to the Warrior’s 48.4 percent but were forced into 23 turnovers by the Winona State defense. With a 11 point lead at half, the Warriors didn’t pack it in as they came out in the second half in a full court press forcing BSU into six steals in just the first eight minutes of the second period.

Winona State was paced by Natalie Gigler’s 19 points and Michelle McDonald’s double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Katie Wolff added 14 points for the Warriors. Wolff added five assists on the night. Winona State outrebounded BSU 33 to 28. Gigler shot seven-of-seven from the charity stripe.

Winona State went into the break with a 39-28 advantage over the Beavers. BSU was within one point at the 8:07 mark following a McKay layup, two of her nine first-half points, which led all Bemidji State players in the first half. Following McKay’s basket the Warriors went on a 16 to six run in the final eight minutes of the first half. Forward Gigler led the run for Winona State with eight of the 16 points scored.

In addition to McKay’s nine first-half points, she added six rebounds. Althoff and Hebrink added five points apiece in the opening period. Baldwin and Hebrink each had three first-half assists.

Winona State’s attack was led by Wolff’s 11 points. Gigler finished with 10 in the first half. McDonald added eight points and seven rebounds. Point guard Afton Glander dished out four assists in the opening period.

The Bemidji State women’s basketball team will continue play at home on Saturday as they host Upper Iowa University at 4 p.m. at BSU Gymnasium.