Mankato, Minn. – The Northern State University dropped the final game of the road trip to Mankato Saturday afternoon by a final score of 40-54. With the loss, the Wolves drop to 8-14 overall and 5-11 in NSIC play.
 
The Wolves were out-scored in the first quarter by a score of 16-11. In the second quarter, a total of 13 points were scored between both teams, as the Wolves trailed by six heading into the intermission. Wolves in the first half shot 21.6 percent from the field, 12.5 percent from behind the arc, and tallied 29 rebounds.
 
Minnesota State continued to out-score the Wolves in the third quarter extending the lead to nine heading into the final quarter. In the final quarter, the Wolves went on a run to cut the Maverick lead to six, before the Mavericks picked up a 14 point win. Wolves shot 24.6 percent from the field, 13.3 percent from behind the arc, and a season high 51 rebounds in a game.
 
Brianna Kusler tallied nine points, 11 rebounds, and two assists. Jessi Marti finished with eight points, two rebounds, and one steal. Lexi Wadsworth recorded six points, eight rebounds, one assist, and one block. Brooke Luitjens tallied two points, six rebounds, one assist, and two steals.
 
Joie Spier led the bench in scoring with eight points, five rebounds, and one assist. Alayna Johnson was the last starter in the lineup with five rebounds, one assist, and two blocks. Anika Fredrick finished with four points and four rebounds. Tori Mekash was the last NSU player in the scorebook with three points, three rebounds, and one assist. Zoe Hardwick tallied one rebound off the bench.
 
Wolves are back in action next weekend as they match-up with University of Sioux Falls and Southwest Minnesota State for I Hate Winter weekend. Tip-off on Friday is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. against the Cougars and 4 p.m. Saturday against the Mustangs. For fan information on I Hate Winter visit nsuwolves.com for more information.