MINOT, N.D. --- Sophomore Taylor Klug dropped a career-high 27 points to guide Minnesota State past Minot State, 72-54, Friday evening at the Minot State Dome.

With the win, Head Coach Emilee Thiesse earned her 100th career win. In her six seasons at the helm, she has amassed a 100-62 (75-45 NSIC) overall record, including two NCAA Tournament appearances in the 2012-13 and 2014-15 seasons.

Klug moved into the starting lineup for the fourth time this season and got things started with a three on the Mavericks (5-11, 3-7 NSIC) first possession. Minnesota State opened the contest creating an 11-2 advantage by the 7:00 mark. Minot State (6-9, 3-8 NSIC) responded with a 7-2 run of its own to pull within four, 13-9, with 4:23 on the lock. The Mavericks led after the first frame, 24-14, and shot 66.7% from downtown. Klug set the pace with 10 points for Minnesota State.

Minnesota State continued to roll on offense opening the second quarter on a 6-0 run highlighted by senior Claire Ziegler connecting on a layup and free throw to make the score 30-14. Minot State once again responded with a 7-0 run to chip the edge down to single digits, 30-21, by the 6:43 mark. The Mavericks retaliated with eight straight points to push the lead back into double figures as senior Claire Jordan buried a three, 38-21, with 5:03 to play in the half. Minnesota State took a 40-25 lead into the locker room at the intermission.  

At the half, Klug led Minnesota State with 15 points while Jordan added eight points. The Mavericks shot 48.3% from field and 50.0% from downtown in comparison to the Beavers 37.9% from the field and 20.0% from three.

Following a Haley Johnson three to open the second half, Minnesota State continued to roll on offense with a 6-2 run made up of three points from Klug and junior Monica Muth to make the score 46-30 at the 7:01 mark. The Mavericks then began to pull away building their largest lead of the game, 59-37, as Klug connected on a layup with 1:58 on the clock. Minnesota State carried a 61-44 edge into the fourth quarter.

In the final frame, the Beavers dwindled the Mavericks lead down to 15, 64-49, after Whitney Molina netted a jumper at the 6:08 mark. Minnesota State responded to increase its lead back up to 20, 69-49, following a pair of Ziegler free throws. The Mavericks went on to close out the remaining time to earn the 72-54 win and snap their four-game losing skid.

As a team, Minnesota State held the edge in rebounds (41-38) and both squads handed out 13 assists each. The Mavericks shot 42.4% from the field in comparison to the Beavers 37.1%.

Klug posted a game-high and career-best 27 points with five rebounds, three steals and one assist. Ziegler also reached double figures in scoring with 12 points and seven rebounds. Jordan rounded out the top performers with 11 points, career-high four assists, and three rebounds.

Minnesota State will continue its road trip at U-Mary tomorrow. Tip-off is set for 4:00 p.m.