MARSHALL, Minn. – Southwest Minnesota State nearly overcame a 22-point deficit in the second half but fell short in its comeback attempt falling 65-58 to Minnesota State University, Mankato in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference women's basketball action on Saturday.

SMSU (5-8, 4-5 NSIC) recovered from 28 percent shooting in the first half knocking down 14 of 36 shots (39 percent) in the second half but it would not be enough as Laura Weber and Jamie Bresnahan combined for 37 of MSU's 65 points to help the Mavericks improve to 10-3 overall, 6-3 in the NSIC.

Hannah Beeler was just one point shy of her career-high in points while matching her career-high with nine rebounds to lead SMSU in scoring with 16 points. Bree Holleman finished with 15 points on 6 of 12 shooting and Sam Lynn added a career-high 11 points for the Mustangs.  

Minnesota State was lights out in the first half connecting on 14 of 30 shots (47 percent) from the field, including 5 of 8 from 3-point range.

Bresnahan helped the Mavericks take over the lead six minutes into the first half connecting on three straight shots, including two from behind the 3-point line six minutes into the game. Bresnahan finished the first half with 12 points.

With the Mustangs leading 7-6, Bresnahan scored in the paint and from behind the arc on consecutive possessions to give MSU an 8-7 lead. Jennie Noreen and Bresnahan connected on consecutive shots from 3-point range to push MSU's lead to 17-11.

The Mavericks did not look back from there taking a 13-point 36-23 lead into halftime. SMSU suffered from poor shooting in the first half connecting on 10 of 36 from the field (28 percent), including 3 of 15 from 3-point range. The Mustangs committed eight turnovers in the first half leading to 10 points for the Mavericks.

Beeler continued her hot shooting for the Mustangs connecting on 3 of 7, 2 of 4 from 3-point range to lead the Mustangs with eight points in the half. She finished the game with a career-high three 3-pointers.

Minnesota State came out fast in the second half extending its lead to a game-high 22 points at 46-28 six minutes into the final half. SMSU scored on three consecutive possessions on buckets by Lynn.

The Mustangs then went on a 9-0 run to come within 10 at 51-41 in favor of the Mavericks with eight minutes left to play in the game.

Minnesota State pushed its lead to 56-44 with four minutes to play but SMSU would continue to eat away at the lead. Holleman drained a 3-pointer with 3:11 to play but the Mavericks were able to score on their next two possessions to hold a lead over the Mustangs.

Beeler knocked down her third 3-pointer of the game with just under two minutes to play to make the score 60-54. SMSU came within five at 61-56 after a bucket by Watts but the Mavericks hit two free throws and a jumper to take a 65-58 win over the Mustangs.

Southwest Minnesota State will continue Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference action next Friday hosting the University of Mary at 6 p.m. at the R/A Facility. The Mustangs will then welcome Northern State on Saturday at 6 p.m.