>Box Score

MARSHALL, Minn. — The Southwest Minnesota State University women's basketball team dropped its season opener with a 67-60 non-conference loss to MSU Denver on Saturday night.
 
Both teams kept the first half close as both were tied at 22-22 with 4:21 left in the first half. SMSU was down 26-24 at the half despite MSU Denver's 23 turnovers. The Roadrunners got in foul trouble early as the Mustangs went on to shoot 63.6 percent (7-11) from the stripe in the first half. Hope Bonlander led the Mustangs with seven first-half points while Abby Connell and Emilee Duske led SMSU grabbing three boards apiece.
 
After the break, the Mustangs came out strong scoring on their first possession to tie it up at 26-26. MSUD would come fire back taking the lead back once again but the Mustangs would not give up. Annessa Rosch hit a three pointer to give the Mustangs the lead on the next possession. The Roadrunners would not let it last long as they quickly retook it the next time down the floor. MSU Denver would lead the rest of the game and at one point was up by seven with 5:54 left in the game. MSUD would hang on to earn the 67-60 despite the Mustang pulling within two with just over three minutes left.
 
SMSU was 39.6 percent from the field and 12.5 percent from three while MSUD was 43.5 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from behind the arc. MSU Denver beat SMSU in the rebound category as they took a 29-26 advantage.
 
Hope Bonlander led SMSU scoring as she tallied 15 points on the night while Emilee Duske contributed 13 points and led the Mustangs with five boards. Both shot over 50 percent. Annessa Rosch powered the offense dishing out five assists.
 
SMSU (0-1, 0-0 NSIC) will return to the R/A Facility tomorrow afternoon for their second non-conference game against Pittsburg State (Kan.) with a 2 o'clock tipoff time.