THIS WEEKEND 

•The Southwest Minnesota State University women's basketball team (7-2, 4-1 NSIC) hits the road for a pair of games before the holiday break, going north to Concordia-St. Paul (7-2, 3-2) on Friday, Dec. 17 before going to Mankato to face Minnesota State (9-0, 5-0) on Saturday, Dec. 18.

•The Mustangs will tip-off at CSP on Friday at 7:30 p.m. before a 5:30 Saturday tip-off against MSU.

    BROADCAST INFO 

•The games will be broadcast on 105.1 FM KARL with Ryan Rohlik. 

•Live stats, radio broadcast and video broadcast can be found at SMSUmustangs.com.

    QUICK HITS

•Friday's victory over Winona State was the first win against the Warriors in the Tom Webb era (1-8).

•SMSU has won seven of their first nine games for the 16th time in program history, and first time since 2009-10. 

•SMSU's bench would outscore opponents benches 66-16 in two games over the weekend

•After a pair of starts last weekend, Meleah Reinhart has moved to fourth in program history in games started, and with a pair of starts this weekend will move into a tie for second. 

•With three three-pointers last weekend, Sadie Stelter moved to third in program history in three pointers made in a career (171).

•After making just three three-pointers in her first four seasons, Abuk Akoi is tied for third on the team with nine three-pointers this season while leading the team with a 53 percent shooting clip behind the arc.

•Reinhart earned NSIC South Division Player of the Week honors, announced on Monday, Nov. 15.

•Stelter became the 22nd player in program history with 1,000 career points against Nebraska-Kearney on  Nov. 13.

    LAST WEEK

•SMSU took advantage of turnovers and rode their depth to a 69-65 victory over Winona State in an NSIC clash inside the R/A Facility on Friday night. 

•Although each team would commit 13 turnovers on the night, SMSU would take advantage of their extra possessions, outscoring WSU 25-14 off of turnovers. The key for the Mustangs all season has been their depth, and it wouldn't stop tonight, as they would play 11 different players, with 10 scoring a point, and would outscore the Warriors' bench 28-9 en route to victory.

•Sam Wall would lead a strong second unit, scoring 11 points on 66.7 percent shooting (4-of-6), and 60 percent shooting behind the arc (3-of-5) in just 13 minutes. She also would add five rebounds while collecting a steal. Wall would be joined by Meleah Reinhart, who led the team offensively, tallying 12 points and five rebounds while making all six of her free throw attempts. Jenna Borchers and Sadie Stelter each added 10 points while collecting four and six rebounds, respectively. Abuk Akoi filled the stat sheet for the Mustangs, tallying eight points, four rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals.

•The Mustangs outscored Upper Iowa 28-8 in the third quarter to help topple the Peacocks 75-51 in a conference matchup inside the R/A Facility on Saturday night. 

•The bench continued their strong 2021-22 campaign, outscoring UIU's bench 38-7, while the team dominated inside the paint 40-12.

•Wall would lead the second unit for the second consecutive night, scoring a team-high 12 points in just 12 minutes. Gehloff would score 11 points on 5 of 6 shooting off the bench to help energize the team while adding four rebounds.

•Akoi, the senior from Sioux Falls, S.D., had her best performance of the season, going for 11 points, 12 rebounds, six blocks and tying a career-high with four assists while going a career-best 3 of 6 behind the arc. 

•12 different Mustangs would fill the scoring column, while 13 different women would collect a rebound. Wall and Gehloff were two of four double-figure scorers, with Reinhart scoring 11 points and Akoi adding 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. Stelter would record a team-high six rebounds, four assists, and two steals, all while adding nine points.

    ABOUT SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE

•Senior guard Meleah Reinhart is leading the Mustangs in scoring with 15.6 ppg.

•Senior guard Sadie Stelter leads the team in rebounding with 5.3 rpg.

•Stelter also leads the team in assists with 23, and is second on the team with 12.6 ppg.

•Senior center Abuk Akoi leads the team in blocks with 19 while shooting a team-high 52.9 percent from behind the arc (9 for 17).

•Sophomore guard Sam Wall leads the team with 14 three -pointers made.  

•Sophomore guard Madison Gehloff has added spark off the bench with Wall this season, recording 6.6 ppg on 62.5 percent shooting and 4.6 rpg in 21.6 mpg 

•SMSU is averaging 71 ppg while opponents are averaging 62 ppg. SMSU has a plus-2.9 rebounding margin.

•SMSU is shooting 41 percent from the field, 30 percent from the 3-point line, and 81 percent the free-throw line.

•SMSU was tabbed seventh overall and second in the South Division in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll

•The team features four seniors, one junior, four sophomores, and six freshmen.

    SMSU HEAD COACH TOM WEBB

•Tom Webb is in his sixth season as head coach with a 52-80 record, including 38-67 in NSIC play. 

•Webb is 143-203 overall in his 14th season as head coach at the Division II level after compiling a record of 91-123 in eight seasons (2008-16) as head coach at Cameron University (Okla.). 

•SMSU improved its victory total each season since Webb took over prior to the 2016-17 season (not including the COVID 2020-21 season).

•SMSU recorded back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2001-2003 after finishing over .500 in 2019-20 and 2020-21. 

•SMSU's .643 win percentage in 2020-21 was the program's best since their .655 percentage in the 2004-05 season.  

•Webb recorded his 100th career Division II win against Wisconsin-Parkside (91-83) on Nov. 16, 2018.

•Webb's complete bio is found on page 17.

     SMSU SEVENTH IN D2SIDA REGIONAL POLL

•SMSU is ranked seventh in this week's D2SIDA Central Region poll released on Monday, Dec. 13.

•Each of the eight regions have representatives from D2SIDA that coordinate the regional committee, with a regional poll that will be released every Monday during the regular season.

•The D2SIDA weekly rankings are independent of the official NCAA Regional Rankings that will be released towards the end of the regular season and determine the NCAA Tournament teams.

D2SIDA Central Region Poll (Dec. 13)

Rank    Team (First-Place Votes)    W-L    Pts.    Prev.

1    Nebraska-Kearney (4)    8-1    58    2    

2    Missouri Western (2)    8-0    51    3    

3    Fort Hays State     7-1    49    1    

4    Minnesota State    9-0    41    4    

5    Southwestern Oklahoma State    9-2    38    5        6    St. Cloud State    7-1    31    7    

7    Southwest Minnesota State    7-2    21    9    

8    Northwest Missouri State    8-1    13    10    

9    Arkansas Tech    5-2    11    6    

10    Minnesota-Duluth    6-3    6    RV

    

    CONCORDIA-ST. PAUL HISTORY

•SMSU and Concordia-St. Paul meet for the 61st time with CSP owning the series, holding a 43-17 advantage since meeting for the first time in 1974.

•The teams split a pair of games last season in Marshall, with SMSU winning on Jan. 30 58-50 before CSP defeated the Mustangs 68-63 on Jan. 31.

•Prior to last season, CSP had won 38 of the previous 40 matchups dating back to the 2002-03 season.

•SMSU head coach Tom Webb is 1-9 all-time versus CSP

•Full series history can be found on page 19.

    MINNESOTA STATE HISTORY

•SMSU and Minnesota State will meet for the 65th time with MSU leading 43-21 in a series that started in 1970.

•The teams split a pair of meetings in Mankato last season, as  SMSU would win Jan 22, 75-66 before losing 68-61 on Jan. 23.

•SMSU has won four of the last six meetings since the 2018-19 season. 

•MSU had won 23 straight matchups prior to that stretch, from 2004-05 until 2017-18.

•Tom Webb is 4-6 all-time versus Minnesota State.

•Full series history can be found on page 20.

    CONCORDIA-ST. PAUL NOTES  

•The Golden Bears went 1-1 last week with a 75-70 loss at Wayne State before defeating Augustana 73-71 in Sioux Falls.

•CSP comes into this weekend 7-2 on the season and 3-2 in NSIC action.

•The Golden Bears finished last season 11-6 overall and 9-5 in the NSIC, losing 71-70 to Bemidji State in the NSIC quarterfinals.

•CSP was picked to finish ninth in the NSIC and sixth in the NSIC South.

•Head coach Amanda Johnson is in her seventh season leading the charge at CSP, compiling a 95-67 record after taking over as interim head coach on Jan. 1, 2016.

•The Golden Bears' 2021-22 squad features one senior, two juniors, three sophomores, two redshirt freshmen and five freshmen.

•Guard Riley Wheatcraft is the Golden Bears' top scorer, averaging 13.1 points per game while collecting six rebounds per game and 16 total steals.

•Forward Lindsey Becher is averaging 12.4 points per game while collecting 4.8 rebounds per game and leading the team with 27 blocks.

•CSP is shooting 42 percent from the field, 28 percent from 3-point range, and 68 percent from the free throw line.

•The Golden Bears average 73 points per game, while opponents average 63 points per game.

    MINNESOTA STATE NOTES  

•The Mavericks went 2-0 last week, defeating Augustana 91-86 in overtime in Sioux Falls and defeating Wayne State 63-52 in Wayne.

•Minnesota State comes into this weekend 9-0 on the season and 5-0 in conference play.

•The Mavericks finished last season 9-7 overall and 8-5 in the NSIC, losing to St. Cloud State 70-68 in the NSIC Tournament quarterfinals.

•MSU was picked to finish fourth in the NSIC and tie for second in the NSIC South.

•Head coach Emilee Thiesse is in her 10th season at the helm for Minnesota State, coming in with a 257-99 record.

•The Mavericks' 2021-22 squad features five seniors, one junior, five sophomores, and four freshmen.

•Guard Joey Batt is the Mavericks' lead scorer, averaging 18.6 points per game on 50 percent shooting while leading the team with 27 assists. 

•Guard Destinee Bursch is second on the team in both points per game (11.1) and rebounds per game (4.7)

•Minnesota State is shooting 43 percent from the field, 34 percent from 3-point range, and 70 percent from the free throw line.

•The Mavericks average 85 points per game, while opponents average 66 points per game.

    ABUK AKOI NOTES

•Named a 2021-22 NSIC "Player to Watch."

•Has started all nine games.

•Averaging 8.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.

•Leads the Mustangs in three point percentage at 52.9 percent.

•Recorded a double-double, scoring 11 points and a season-high 12 rebounds while adding six blocks and making a carer-high three 3-pointers on six attempts against Augustana (Dec. 4).

•Holds school record with 201 career blocked shots

•Named to 2020-21 NSIC All-Defensive team.

•Led the NSIC in blocked shots and finished third in rebounding last season.

•Scored a career-high 22 points vs. Sioux Falls (12/21/19).

•Tied program single-game record with seven blocked shots  versus UMary (2/3/18) Minnesota State (1/11/20), (1/23/21) and versus Augustana (2/6/21).

    ERIN BAXTER NOTES

•Has started all nine games.

•Averaging 2.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.

•Ranks 12th in school history in free throw percentage (77.7).

    PEYTON BLANDIN NOTES

•Has appeared in each game this season.

•Has totaled three points and six rebounds.

    JENNA BORCHERS NOTES

•Has started all nine games.

•Averaging 10.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

•Scored season-high 18 points at Sioux Falls while going a career-high 11 for 11 on free throws (11/23/21).

•Made a season-high three 3-pointers vs. Maryville (11/19/21).

•Ranks fourth in team history in 3-point field goal percentage (39.2) and fifth in 3-pointers made (162).

•One of four Mustangs to start at least 13 games last season.

•Led the NSIC last year in 3-point field goals per game (2.9).

•Her 72 3-pointers in 2019-20 was one shy of team single-season record.

•Named NSIC South Division Player of the Week (2/24/20).

    SARAH CONLON NOTES 

•Has played in four games this season totaling 11 minutes.

•Scored two points and grabbed four rebounds vs. Upper Iowa (12/11/21).

•Made 3-pointer vs. Upper Iowa (1/17/21).

•One of two redshirt freshmen on the roster.

    OLIVIA DRUMMER NOTES 

•Has played in five games this season totaling eight  minutes, one rebounds, and one assist.

•Scored career-high five points at Minot State (1/17/20).

    MADISON GEHLOFF NOTES 

•Has played in each game this season.

•Averaging 6.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game on 62.5 percent shooting.

•Totaled a career-high eight rebounds against Northwest Missouri State (11/12/21).

•Scored a career-high 20 points with eight field goals at Augustana (1/3/20).

    KENZIE JONES NOTES 

•Has appeared in eight of nine games this season.

•Made her first career three-pointer and added her first rebound against Maryville (11/19/21).

    HANNAH PARSLEY NOTES 

•Has played in each game this season.

•Averages 3.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.

•Scored career-high ten points against Truman State (11/19/21) and six rebounds vs. Augustana (2/6/21).

•One of two redshirt freshmen on the roster.

    MELEAH REINHART NOTES 

•Has started eight games this season.

•Named NSIC South Division Player of the Week (11/15/21).

•Averaging a team-high 15.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game 

•Scored a season-high 27 points against Nebraska-Kearney and tied a career-high with eight rebounds against Nebraska-Kearney (11/13/21)

•Scored career-high 28 points on 19 field goals while tying a career-high with eight rebounds at Sioux Falls (2/21/21).

•Has scored 1,273 career points ranking 11th in team history. 

•Ranks sixth in team history in free throw percentage (81.7) and ninth in 3-point field goals (130).

•All-NSIC South first team last season.

•Two-time second team All-NSIC honoree.

    LILY SCHOKNECHT NOTES 

•Appeared in each game this season.

•Averaging 1.8 points per game and 0.8 rebounds per game while knocking down both three-pointers she has attempted.

•Made her first career three-pointer against Maryville (11/19/21).

•Had three blocked shots vs. Upper Iowa (1/6/21).

    SADIE STELTER NOTES 

•Has started all nine games.

•Second on the team with 12.6 points per game while leading the team with 5.3 rebounds per game and 23 assists.

•Recorded her second double-double of the season with 16 points and tied a career-high with 10 rebounds against Wayne State (12/2/21).

•Became the 22nd player in program history with 1,000 career points against Nebraska-Kearney (11/13/21).

•Recorded her first career double-double with 16 points and a career-high 10 rebounds against Northwest Missouri State (11/12/21).

•Ranks third in team history in 3-pointers made (171) and is fifth in free throw pct. (82.4).

•Led the team with 41 assists last season.

•Scored career-high 24 points at UMary (1/18/20).

    BRI STOLTZMAN NOTES 

•Has appeared in each game this season.

•Averaging 3.0 points and 1.9 rebounds per game.

•Scored career-high seven points in 18 minutes against Augustana (12/4/21).

    SAM WALL NOTES 

•Has played in each game this season while starting one game.

•Averaging 7.3 points per game and leads the team with 14 3-pointers made on 42.4 percent shooting.

•Was an NSIC Top Performer after her weekend Dec. 10-11, scoring 23 points in 25 minutes off the bench in two games. 

    SMSU PICKED SEVENTH IN NSIC PRESEASON POLL

•SMSU was picked to finish seventh overall and second in the South Division in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll. 

•SMSU senior center Abuk Akoi was named a "Player to Watch".

•Minnesota Duluth was chosen as the North Division favorite as well as the favorite in the NSIC, while Augustana was tabbed the South favorite. 

    WORKING OVERTIME 

•SMSU is 11-30 all-time in overtime games, including 0-1 in 2021-22 after losing at Wayne State 69-65. 

•SMSU is 3-4 in double overtime games.    

    HOME AND AWAY     

•SMSU has started this season 4-1 at home after finishing 6-2 in 2020-21 and 7-5 in 2019-20

•SMSU is off to a 3-1 start in road/neutral site games this season after recording a 3-3 mark in road/neutral site games in 2020-21.

•The following is a statistical comparison of the Mustang team averages for home and away/neutral games in 2021-22:

    W-L    FG%    3-FG%    FT%    REB    PTS    TO

Home    4-1    42.0    34.0    72.0    38.8    71.4    12.4

Away    3-1     38.8    21.7    88.8    39.8    70.0    17.0

    HOME SWEET HOME 

•The 2021-22 season marks the 26th year the R/A Facility has served as the home arena for SMSU women's basketball.

•SMSU has a record of 165-160 (.508) in 325 games inside the R/A Facility.

    SMSU ALL-TIME IN THE NSIC 

•The 2021-22 campaign marks the 43nd season SMSU has competed in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

•SMSU has an all-time record of 260-401 in conference games and have won four regular season championships (1979-80, 1980-81, 2000-01, 2001-02) and one NSIC Tournament championship (2002).

    MUSTANG HISTORY

•Southwest Minnesota State is in its 53rd season of women's basketball in 2021-22.

•SMSU has played 1,310 games compiling an all-time record of 626-684.

•SMSU has recorded 27 winning seasons, including the last two seasons. The 2019-20 squad that finished 16-12 was the program's first winning season since 2009-10.