MARSHALL, Minn. – The Concordia Golden Bears women's basketball team (12-7, 8-5 NSIC) extended their winning streak to five games with a 67-63 win at Southwest Minnesota State (2-15, 2-11 NSIC) on Friday night inside the R/A Facility.

Concordia led by double digits nearly the entire game but with five minutes left remaining in regulation and an 18 point lead it looked like CSP would have smooth sailing to finish the game. However, SMSU would put together a 16-0 run over the next four minutes to pull within two with just over one minute left in the game.

After a defensive stop by the Mustangs, Concordia had to rely on their defense to prevent SMSU from tying the game or taking the lead. As Sarah Buysse attempted tying layup, Caitlyn Russell blocked the ball into the hands of Kyrah Fredenburg and then CSP would make 6-6 free throws to escape with the 67-63 win.

Anna Schmitt led the way with a game-high 24 points while adding three rebounds and five assists. Caitlyn Russell added 17 points, nine rebounds and four blocks. Lauren Shifflett and Lindsay Dorr each tallied eight points for Concordia.  

The Mustangs were led by Lauren Hedlund who scored a team-high 19 points while also grabbing seven rebounds. Taylor Holicky added 10 points and seven rebounds for SMSU.

Both teams traded baskets and leads for most of the first quarter before Concordia put together a 9-0 to close out the quarter, giving a 21-13 lead. Caitlyn Russell was dominant on the low block as she notched 10 first quarter points on 5-6 shooting.

In the second quarter, the Golden Bears would outscore SMSU 9-3 at the first media timeout and their defense was holding the Mustangs to 22.7% shooting at the time. Another 9-4 run and 3-pointer by Lauren Shifflett would give CSP their biggest lead of the game of 19 forcing SMSU to take a timeout.

The Mustangs would close out the remaining time with a 5-2 run but Concordia would take a 41-25 lead heading into the locker room. Caitlyn Russell and Anna Schmitt would lead the way for CSP with 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Caleigh Rodning led SMSU with six first half points.

Coming out of the intermission, the Golden Bears continued to hold their double digit lead but the Mustangs would slowly start to get back into the game as they pulled within single digits with 2:24 remaining in the quarter for the first time since early in the second period.

CSP would get their double digit lead back by the end of the quarter to take a 52-41 lead heading into the final frame of play.

In the final quarter of play, the Golden Bears would continue to build their lead and get it up to 18 with 5:09 left in the game forcing SMSU to call a timeout. Following the timeout is when the Mustangs turned up the intensity and put together their 16-0 run to pull within two but the block by Russell would deny the comeback attempt. Some clutch shooting in the final seconds by Concordia sealed the 67-63 win.

Caitlyn Russell eclipsed 100 career blocks with her four blocks on the night.

Concordia now holds a 35-16 series record against Southwest Minnesota State.

CSP travels to Sioux Falls tonight to take on the Cougars tomorrow at 4 pm.