MANKATO, Minn. --- Senior Claire Ziegler registered her third double-double of the season but Minnesota State's comeback bid fell short against Sioux Falls, 74-71,  Friday evening at Taylor Center.

The Mavericks (5-13, 3-9 NSIC) opened the game controlling the pace with a 8-2 run following senior Mackenzie Dahl's layup at the 6:55 mark. Following a Sioux Falls (12-5, 9-4 NSIC) timeout, Minnesota State increased its advantage up to eight, 12-4, with the help of a Ziegler jumper. The Mavericks led after the opening frame, 16-13. Ziegler set the standard for Minnesota State reaching double digits with 10 points, one rebound and one steal.

Sioux Falls battled back in the second quarter to lock the game at 22 after a pair of free throws from Kaely Hummel at the 5:51 mark. Two possessions later the Cougars claimed their first lead of the night, 25-23, after Andi Mataloni buried a triple. Sioux Falls controlled the tempo in the second frame outscoring Minnesota State, 18-9. The Mavericks trailed at the intermission, 31-25.

At the half, Ziegler fueled Minnesota State with 14 points and six rebounds. The Mavericks shot 50.0% from the field in comparison to the Cougars 42.9%.

Following a couple missed baskets by both teams to open the second half, Minnesota State pulled within four, 31-27, as junior Monica Muth netted a jumper at the 9:06 mark. Sioux Falls responded to push its edge into the double figures, 42-32, with 4:33 on the clock. Ziegler started to shift momentum back to the Mavericks with an offensive rebound and layup to make the score 51-36 with 26 seconds remaining in the quarter. Sioux Falls led after three quarters of play, 53-36.

Minnesota State stormed back opening the final quarter on an 11-4 run featuring seven points from senior Claire Jordan to chip the deficit down to 10, 57-47, with 7:00 remaining. The Mavericks continued to apply pressure pull within six, 62-56, as freshman Kirstin Klitzke was able get a layup to drop in the paint with 2:13 to play. Sioux Falls pushed back to grow its lead back up to nine, 68-59, with 1:15 on the clock. The Mavericks then made one final surge with a 10-4 run to pull within three, 72-69, after Dahl connected on a clutch layup. However, Minnesota State could not get any closer and went on to drop the contest, 74-71.

As a team, the Mavericks held the edge in rebounds (38-32) while the Cougars had the advantage in assists (13-12). Sioux Falls shot 53.3% from the field in comparison to Minnesota State's 38.5%.

Ziegler led Minnesota State with a game-high 20 points and team-best 10 rebounds. Jordan registered 17 points with three assists and three rebounds. Muth rounded out the top performers with 10 points and four rebounds.

Minnesota State continues its homestand tomorrow against Southwest Minnesota State. Tip-off is set for 4:00 p.m.