#3 Mavericks Drop NSIC Tournament Title Game to Concordia-St. Paul
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Minnesota State (29-2, 21-1 NSIC) battled Concordia-St. Paul (24-6, 17-5 NSIC) in a tightly contested matchup, ultimately falling 79-71 in the NSIC Tournament Championship at the Sanford Pentagon on Tuesday, March 3. The game featured seven ties and eight lead changes, while the No. 3-ranked Mavericks’ relentless defense forced 25 turnovers that led to 28 points.
Natalie Bremer was a powerhouse, posting 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead MSU’s charge. Addison Hoof shined defensively with four steals and added four points, while Mackenzie Schweim contributed 14 points on six field goals. Ava Stier anchored the defense with five steals and 10 rebounds. Following the game, Bremer and Schweim were both named to the NSIC All-Tournament Team.
The Mavericks kicked off the first quarter with fiery defensive pressure, snatching four steals and turning them into crucial points. Despite some shooting woes, the team capitalized on fast breaks, with Bremer hitting a key jumper to narrow the gap. Stier’s tip-in capped the quarter, leaving the Mavericks trailing, 13-12.
In the second quarter, MSU’s defensive intensity ramped up, producing five steals and limiting their turnovers to just one. Rhyan Holmgren and Adeline Kent contributed clutch layups, while Bremer stayed busy on both ends, adding vital points and rebounds. The Mavericks matched CSP in the paint, each scoring 10 points, but MSU’s ability to convert turnovers into eight points helped them edge ahead, closing the half with a 37-32 lead after outscoring the Golden Bears 25-19.
The third quarter saw the Golden Bears strike first with a fast-break 3-pointer. The Mavericks stayed resilient, posting 10 points in the paint despite facing five turnovers. Bremer’s timely jumper and clutch free throws kept MSU in the hunt. Still, CSP’s late 3-pointer extended their lead, ending the quarter ahead 57-53.
In the fourth, the Mavericks came out swinging, with Schweim scoring on a fast-break layup. Their defensive intensity shone again with six steals, turning turnovers into scoring chances. Despite Concordia-St. Paul’s barrage of 3-pointers, the Mavericks countered with strong drives to the basket. Bremer’s layup with 3:31 left kept things close, but the Golden Bears’ precision at the free-throw line preserved their lead.
In the closing seconds, Kent’s fast-break layup brought MSU within reach, but the Golden Bears sealed the win with free throws, concluding at 79-71.
Up next, the Mavericks are set to compete in the NCAA Central Region Tournament on Friday, March 13. Location and opponent will be announced during the NCAA Divison II Selection Show on Sunday, March 8.
