Box Score

MINOT, N.D. - Caleigh Rodning posted her third consecutive double-double as Southwest Minnesota State (3-18, 3-14 NSIC) took advantage of poor shooting from Minot State (3-20, 1-16 NSIC) in a 52-41 win for SMSU on Friday night in the MSU Dome.

The 11 point win was the Mustangs' largest margin of victory thus far this season despite its lowest point total (52) since losing 63-47 to Sioux Falls back on Dec. 17.

Southwest Minnesota State held the Beavers' to just 22 percent shooting on 12-of-55 field goal attempts on the night, the lowest for any SMSU opponent this season (UMD shot just 35 percent back on Dec. 9). The 12 made field goals for Minot State was just half of the previous season low for made field goal attempts allowed by SMSU (UMD connected on just 24 field goals).

Rodning led the Mustangs with 10 points going 4-of-9 from the floor while also adding 12 boards and a game high three assists. Taylor Holicky added 13 rebounds and also had two blocked shots.

Although SMSU was outrebounded on the night 43-37, the Mustangs held a 24-14 advantage in points in the paint. The Beavers found just as much trouble getting their shooting stroke going as Minot State went just 1-of-17 (6 percent) on three point attempts on the night. Minot State had just five assists as a team (another season low for an SMSU opponent) and had just six bench points.

Both teams struggled offensively in the first quarter as they combined for just 10 made field goals. SMSU outscored the Beavers 16-8 in the second quarter as Minot State went just 3-of-15 shooting in the second and the Mustangs carried a 27-19 lead into halftime.

Minot State combined for just 17 points in the second and third quarters as the Beavers went just 3-of-15 again in the third. SMSU scored the first two field goals out of the break to cap an 11-0 scoring run that pushed the Mustangs' lead to 13 early in the third quarter. SMSU also closed the third on short scoring burst to give the Mustangs an 11 point lead heading into the final quarter.

SMSU held a double-digit lead for a majority of the fourth quarter as Minot State went on a late run to get within nine, but it proved to be to little too late.

Southwest Minnesota State will be back in action Saturday afternoon as they travel to play U-Mary starting at 4 p.m.