>Box Score
 
MINOT, N.D. — Minot State shot 54 percent from the floor to earn a 71-51 victory in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference women's basketball on Saturday afternoon in the Minot State Dome.
 
Minot State (6-4, 1-4 NSIC) was lights-out in the game as the Beavers were 26-of-48 from the floor and controlled the boards as they held a 40-31 advantage. Minot State capitalized on 21 turnovers by the Mustangs to score 21 points. MISU controlled the short range as it scored 34 of its points in the paint.
 
SMSU (0-9, 0-5 NSIC) finished the game shooting a season-low 29 percent from the floor. Lauren Hedlund led the Mustangs with her 21 points for her fourth 20-plus point game this season. Annessa Rosch contributed 11 points and dished out three assists. Hedlund also led the Mustangs pulling down eight boards in the loss.
 
Minot State jumped out right away in the first half and did not look back as the Beavers led the whole half. The Mustangs pulled the game to within five with 9:07 left in the half but that did not faze the Beavers as they went on to push their lead to 11 with 3:57 left in the half for their largest of the half. Minot State led at the break, 36-29 while shooting 68 percent from the floor.
 
In the second half, Minot State kept the pressure on as they continued to shoot the ball efficiently. The Beavers increased their lead to the largest of the game at 5:39 as Minot State led, 63-40. SMSU would pull within 18 down the stretch but could not cut down the deficit.
 
Southwest Minnesota State will continue on the road next weekend as the Mustangs travel to the University of Sioux Falls on Dec. 20.