BOX SCORE

MARSHALL, Minn. – SMSU freshman Jessie Watts was one of four Mustangs in double-digits in SMSU's 65-52 win over Minnesota Duluth Friday night in Marshall. SMSU won its third game in its last five outings improving to 5-11 overall and 4-8 in NSIC play. Minnesota Duluth falls to 9-7, 7-5 in the Northern Sun.

Heather Smith, Laura Kramer and Tori Fink all finished with 10 points for the Mustangs. Kramer added seven rebounds in the game. SMSU forced 20 turnovers in the game which led to 17 points for the Mustangs.

Southwest Minnesota State and Minnesota Duluth combined for 21 turnovers in the first half. Each team scored eight points off of turnovers in the first half of play tonight. SMSU carried a six-point lead into halftime.

SMSU got on the board early on a 3-pointer from Fink, giving SMSU the first points of the game. The score changed six times in the first half. Watts led SMSU in scoring in the first half picking up seven points off the bench.

The Mustangs shot 47 percent from the floor in the game while the Bulldogs shot 34 percent. The Mustangs held the Bulldogs to just two 3-pointers in the second half. UMD was 2 of 21 from behind the arc in the second half.

The Mustangs improved to 4-0 on the season when leading at halftime. SMSU led by as many as 17 points in the second half. Amber Peterson dished out eight assists in the game. Freshman Sam Abens came off the bench and handed out a career-high four assists. She picked up a big 3-pointer in the first half giving SMSU a 24-17 lead just before the end of the first half.

The Mustangs have now won two straight games over Minnesota Duluth.

SMSU will continue NSIC play tomorrow night hosting Bemidji State University at 6 p.m. at the R/A Facility.