Mavs Final Four bound

Photo by Raymond Starin • msu reporter
SAN ANTONIO — Sure, it might not have been the prettiest game for the Minnesota State women’s basketball team, as their shooting was off and it seemed like some players felt the nerve of playing on the big stage. But either way, the Mavericks were just as satisfied with the result of their first-ever Final Four appearance as they defeated fourth-seeded Michigan Tech 61-53.

“You never know how a team is going to show up on the big stage,” said MSU head coach Pam Gohl. “I think they did a great job and we’re looking forward to tomorrow.”

The Huskies entered the Elite Eight as underdogs, but the Mavericks, on the other hand, had high expectations all season. However, there was thought that having an undersized lineup would be a problem for MSU.

It didn’t seem to be a problem in Tuesday's game against the Huskies. MSU took an early 6-2, as it got two layups from senior guard Heather Johnson. That would be the only two baskets Johnson would hit early on. Her, along with teammates not named Joanne Noreen, struggled with their shooting in the first half, and were just 40 percent from the field.

Michigan Tech, on the other hand, did not struggle. Led by junior guard Katie Zimmerman, the Huskies were an outstanding 6 for 7 from the 3-point line. Three of those 3s came from Zimmerman.

The Mavericks were also getting beat inside early on, which made it difficult for them to double Michigan Tech's post players. Even with the hot shooting from the Huskies, the Mavericks were able to keep the game close, trailing 31-30 at half.

Noreen finished with 12 points in the first half. Luckily for MSU, the Huskies cooled off in the second half and the scrappy Mavericks defense started getting to them.

“Sometimes it can be good and sometimes it can be bad,” Moe said. “Today we took the risks and they worked to our advantage.”

Noreen started the second half with a layup, giving MSU its first lead since early in the game. The game would continue to go back and forth during the second half. The Mavericks were doing a much better job of getting the ball around to players such as Moe, Alex Andrews and Andrea Walsh. Moe started causing turnovers on the defensive side and showed the intensity which has been praised of her all season long.

“Tiff is one of our emotional leaders,” Gohl said. “Before the game she gets everyone fired up and she’s usually the dramatic one out there. It’s so fun to coach a player like that and the players feed off of her energy.”

One of those players who may have gotten some energy in the second half was Andrews, as she hit a hook shot with five minutes left in the game. That shot put the dagger in the Huskies' season and gave Andrews her 12th double-double of her career, as she finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Noreen finished with 20 points, while Moe added 11 points and eight rebounds.

The victory will put the Mavericks in the Final Four and makes their dream of bringing a national championship to Mankato closer.

“Not a lot of people can end on a win,” Andrews said. “That’s what we want to do.”

MSU plays second-seeded Alaska-Anchorage at 6 p.m. Wednesday.