MANKATO, Minn. – 25^th-ranked Minnesota State would force 35 MSU Moorhead turnovers as the Mavericks proved to be too much for the Dragons. The home team collected an 80-57 victory on Saturday afternoon. 
 
MSUM would continue its sharp shooting from Friday evening in the first quarter against the Mavericks. The Dragons began the game shooting five of six from the floor led by a three from Ashley Gustavson to put MSUM up 11-8 early. However, Minnesota State would rally before quarter's end behind 10 forced turnovers. While the Mavericks only connected on 33.3 percent of their shots in the frame, they claimed a 25-16 lead. MSUM shot 53.8 percent in the period led by four points from Terryn Johnson. 
 
The Mavericks would own the second frame as they would race out to a lead as large as 23 points (42-19) with just under three minutes remaining. It was the Minnesota State defense that continued to frustrate the Dragons as the Mavs had forced 18 turnovers by halftime. MSUM would find their stride late in the period to cut into the deficit, but Minnesota State still held a hefty advantage at the break. The Dragons trailed 50-31 as Natalie Jens would score eight points on three of four shooting to pace MSUM. 
 
MSUM would stay in stride in the third period as Minnesota State would only outscore the Dragons by three points. However, the Dragons would again be plagued by turnovers throughout the frame. MSUM shot 29.7 percent from the field in the quarter with Jens scoring six points. 
 
The lead built in the second quarter proved to be enough for the Mavericks as they never let the Dragons get within arm's reach. MSUM would hold Minnesota State to a 35.3 percent clip from the field, but 35 Dragon turnovers proved far too detrimental in the game overall. Minnesota State took the game 80-57.  
 
Top Dragons

• Natalie Jens: 14 points, four steals
• Abby Berge: 10 points, seven rebounds

 
Up Next
 
MSUM (7-12, 7-7 NSIC) will return home for a Tuesday night date with Minnesota Crookston beginning at 5:30 p.m.