Gustavus Women’s Basketball Dominates Hamline, Advances to MIAC Championship

Published: February 28, 2025

SAINT PETER, Minn. – In a decisive postseason opener, the No. 6 Gustavus women’s basketball team secured a resounding 71-35 victory against Hamline on Thursday, Feb. 27, propelling them to their fourth consecutive MIAC Playoff Championship appearance.

Key Takeaways from the Game

• Dominant Performance: The Gusties showcased their prowess with a commanding win, outplaying Hamline on both ends of the court.
• Offensive Efficiency: Gustavus shot an extraordinary 48% from the field and 41.2% from three-point range.
• Defensive Lockdown: The Gusties held Hamline to single-digit scoring in the final three quarters, demonstrating their defensive strength.

Gusties’ Hot Shooting and Stifling Defense Lead to Victory

The Gustavus Adolphus College Gusties (25-1, 17-1 MIAC) demonstrated why they are a force to be reckoned with, displaying exceptional shooting accuracy and a relentless defense that stifled their opponents. Hamline (19-8, 13-5), known for their three-point shooting, struggled against the Gusties’ defense, managing only 25% from the field.

Early in the game, Hamline challenged the nationally-ranked Gusties, creating a one-point deficit three times and forcing eight turnovers. However, they couldn’t contain the dynamic Gusties’ offense. Gustavus established its dominance midway thru the second quarter when Emily Bowron hit a three-point jumper, giving them a 23-13 lead. Emma Kniefel’s floater before halftime extended the lead to 17 points, with the Gusties shooting 58.3% in the second quarter.

despite a slight dip in shooting percentage in the third quarter (21.4%), the Gusties maintained control by forcing turnovers and securing offensive rebounds. The fourth quarter saw contributions from the bench, with Izzy Fast recording her second double-double of the season and bowron reaching double figures for the first time this year. Key three-pointers from Kniefel, Bowron, and Olivia Grothaus contributed to a 26-9 point differential in the final quarter. The Gusties forced eight turnovers and held Hamline to just two made shots in the last 10 minutes.

Standout Performances

• Emma Kniefel: The reigning MIAC Offensive Player of the Week led all players with 16 points, shooting 71.4% from the field and the free-throw line.
• Izzy quick: Recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 85.7% from the field.
• Emily Bowron: Finished with 12 points, shooting 66.7% from the field and 3-for-4 from beyond the arc.

The Gusties’ performance included a 48% field goal percentage, tying for their fifth-best this season, and a 41.2% three-point percentage, tying for fourth-best. They also out-rebounded Hamline 35-27, securing 10 offensive rebounds for 13 second-chance points and converting 23 Hamline turnovers into 19 points.

Hamline’s lauren Cooper led her team with 11 points, but the team struggled with 12 players committing turnovers.The team managed to get a measly 25% field goal percentage.

Looking Ahead: MIAC Championship

The Gustavus women’s basketball team advances to the MIAC Championship on Saturday, March 1, at 3 p.m., gustavus will face No. 24 Bethel (22-4, 17-1 MIAC) at Robertson Center Gym. Bethel secured their spot in the championship with a 79-50 victory over Saint Benedict.

“The Gusties (25-1,17-1 MIAC) shot 48 percent (24-for-50) from the field and 41.2 percent from three-point range, holding the Pipers to single digits in each of the final three quarters,”

This statistic highlights the team’s overall offensive and defensive dominance in the recent match against Hamline.

The Road Ahead

The upcoming MIAC championship game is a crucial test for the Gusties. Facing a strong Bethel team, Gustavus will need to leverage their offensive efficiency and defensive prowess to secure the championship title. Key players like Emma Kniefel and Izzy Quick will need to maintain their high level of performance,while the team as a whole must minimize turnovers and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

As this season concludes, Gustavus, who earned the No. 2 seed after claiming a share of the MIAC Regular Season Championship but lost the tiebreaker coin flip, will be a team to beat.

Conclusion

With a dominant performance against Hamline, the Gustavus women’s basketball team is poised to make a strong push for the MIAC Championship. Their balanced offense and stifling defense make them a formidable opponent, and fans can expect an exciting matchup against Bethel. Stay tuned for updates and highlights from the championship game. Don’t miss the action – cheer on the gusties as they compete for the title!

Archyde Sports: Coach Howard, the Gusties’ performance against Hamline was nothing short of impressive. What would you attribute this commanding victory to?

Amanda Howard: Thank you. I believe our success comes from a combination of factors.We’ve worked hard all season to maintain a balanced offense and a stifling defense. Our players understand their roles and execute them flawlessly. Against Hamline, we were consistent from the three-point line, outrebounded our opponents, and forced turnovers – all key factors in our victory.

Archyde Sports: Speaking of consistency, the Gusties shot an remarkable 48% from the field and 41.2% from three-point range. How have you helped your players maintain this level of shooting efficiency?

Amanda Howard: It’s all about practice and confidence.We spend a significant amount of time in practice working on shooting drills and building confidence in our shooters. we also emphasize moving the ball and finding the open player, which helps create good shot opportunities. Our players understand that consistency is key, and they work hard to maintain this level of efficiency.

Archyde Sports: Defensively, the Gusties held Hamline to single-digit scoring in the final three quarters.How would you describe your team’s defensive strategy?

Amanda Howard: Our defensive strategy is built on communication, teamwork, and intense focus. We aim to limit our opponents’ scoring opportunities by contesting every shot and limiting their second-chance points. Our players are quick and aggressive, which helps us force turnovers and limit opponent’s possessions. Against Hamline, our defense was relentless, and it paid off significantly.

Archyde Sports: The game featured standout performances from Emma Kniefel, Izzy Quick, and Emily Bowron.How has this trio contributed to the team’s success this season?

Amanda Howard: All three of these players are crucial to our team’s success. Emma Kniefel has been our offensive catalyst, leading the team in scoring and providing consistent leadership. Izzy quick is a dominant presence in the paint, rebounding and scoring with efficiency. Emily Bowron has emerged as a reliable shooter and playmaker, helping to create scoring opportunities for her teammates. Their collective growth and performance have been instrumental in our success this season.

Archyde Sports: Looking ahead to the MIAC Championship against Bethel, what aspects of your team’s game do you think will be crucial in securing the win?

Amanda Howard: We need to maintain our offensive efficiency and continue our strong defensive play. Bethel is a formidable opponent, with a balanced offense and a tough defense. We’ll need to minimize turnovers, capitalize on scoring opportunities, and execute our game plan effectively. Additionally, we need to stay focused and composed, playing with the same intensity and confidence that has brought us this far.

Archyde Sports: Coach Howard, what makes you excited about the Gusties’ future, both in the immediate aftermath of this championship run and long-term?

Amanda Howard: I’m incredibly excited about the Gusties’ future. Our team is talented,hungry,and committed to continuous growth.We have a strong core of returning players, and our freshmen have shown great promise this season. I believe we have the potential to build on this year’s success and continue to compete at a high level both in the MIAC and nationally. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, but I’m even more excited about what’s ahead.