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MSU women also go 2-0 at Pepsi Tip-Off with wins over UW-Stout, Northwoods

by Nia Jonesz

UW Stout 64 vs. MSU 91

Northwood University 74 vs. MSU 81

If last weekend's Pepsi Tip-Off was any indication, the Minnesota State women's basketball team can look forward to a season of breakout performances.

The Mavericks took an early lead Friday against Wisconsin-Stout and never looked back. MSU came out strong in the first half backed by the aggressive play of junior Heather Johnson, who played a big role in the team's quick transitions and forced many Stout turnovers.

"The key was to get up the court quickly and keep pressuring them," Johnson said.

The Mavericks ended the half with a 45-31 lead and confidence that led to some problems early in the second half.

"We started the second half a little shaky because we came out too confident and they used that to get a good start," said junior Joann Noreen.

But a shaky start wasn't enough to derail the Mavericks from a strong-scoring game led by Noreen's 18 points. Alex Andrews, Johnson and Tiffany Moe also finished the game with points in the double digits. MSU had as much as a 29-point lead with 7 minutes left in the game and maintained the momentum to a final score of 91-64. The game's final statistics hint at an offensively powered win but the players are quick to credit a solid defense for the victory.

"Our defense has gotten stronger," said Noreen. "It was the phenomenal defense that won us the game."

Saturday's game against Northwood University proved to be more of a challenge for the Mavericks. The team once again started out strong, heading into halftime with a 40-29 lead over the Timberwolves. As in Friday night's game against Stout, the Mavericks struggled to maintain their considerable lead in the second half. Only this time, the results of the second half breakdown were much more detrimental.

"We were getting antsy and we gave up turnovers by trying to force things," said sophomore Tiffany Moe.

MSU watched its lead over Northwood grow smaller by the minute as it fought to regain its composure. With just 1:22 remaining in the game, the Timberwolves were within one point of the Mavericks. Before panic could ensue Moe hit a 3-pointer at the one-minute mark that give the fans and the players something to believe in.

"We stuck together through that adversity and we kept battling," Moe said.

MSU came away with a hard earned 80-74 win.

The last-minute 3-pointer wasn't the only contribution Moe had during the game. Moe scored a career high 17 points and led the team with four assists. Johnson also had a big night leading the team with 22 points and going 11-for-12 from the line.

Three Minnesota State players came away with Pepsi Tip-Off awards from the weekend. Heather Johnson was named most valuable player. Moe captured the MSU Pepsi Tip-Off hustle award. Finally, Noreen walked away with the Pepsi Tip-Off scoring award thanks to her 38 points over the weekend.

The Mavericks head to St. Petersburg, Fla., Friday to take on Ohio Valley in the Eckerd College Classic.

Nia Jonesz is a Reporter staff writer