MANKATO, Minn. – Parkside women's basketball went toe-to-toe with one of the nation's top offenses Saturday afternoon, but a decisive third quarter proved to be the difference as No. 5 Minnesota State-Mankato pulled away for an 85–73 win at Bresnan Arena in the Taylor Center. The Mavericks remained perfect at 7-0 and improved to 11-0 all-time against the Rangers, while Parkside dropped to 4-3.
The Rangers held their own early, showing poise against the nationally ranked Mavericks. Parkside shot efficiently in the opening quarter and trailed just 25-20 after one, answering Minnesota State's early burst with confident shot-making and physical play inside. The second quarter followed a similar script, as Parkside continued to attack the paint and limit second chances, heading into halftime down just 43-37.
Momentum shifted after the break, as Minnesota State delivered a 23-14 third quarter that created separation. The Mavericks capitalized on turnovers and pushed the pace in transition, stretching the lead to 66-51 entering the final frame. Parkside continued to compete in the fourth, but the third-quarter swing proved too much to overcome on the road.
Junior Cassidy Arni led the Rangers with her first 20-point effort of the season, scoring 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting while adding seven rebounds, four steals, four fouls drawn and an assist. Her strong two-way performance kept Parkside within striking distance throughout the afternoon.
Lillie Petersen narrowly missed a double-double, finishing with 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting and a team-high nine rebounds. Katie Hamill also reached double figures with 11 points, while contributing five rebounds and four assists. Peighton Nelson filled the stat sheet with six points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks, while Lexi Bugajski added six points.
Minnesota State was fueled by a career performance from Natalie Bremer, who poured in 35 points while connecting on four three-pointers and repeatedly punishing defensive lapses in transition. The Mavericks supplemented her scoring with balanced contributions across the lineup and strong bench minutes.
Both teams struggled with ball security, combining for more than 50 turnovers in a frenetic, physical contest. Parkside committed 32 turnovers, which Minnesota State converted into 26 points, while the Rangers generated 23 points off Maverick turnovers of their own. Despite the miscues, Parkside shot 49 percent from the field and outscored Minnesota State 52-34 in points in the paint, holding the Mavericks to their lowest scoring output of the season.
Parkside now turns its focus to conference play, opening GLIAC action on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m. CT at DeSimone Arena to begin a four-game homestand.
To keep up with all things Ranger Athletics, be sure to visit parksiderangers.com/coverage.
