This story, photo courtesy of NMU Sports Information. Click the AUDIO buttons to hear RRN's Casey Ford interview Jordan Schmittedel and Coach Casey Thousand.
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. – The Northern Michigan women's basketball team (2-1) picked up a signature win on Sunday afternoon, knocking off the No. 7 Minnesota State Mavericks (1-2) 66-54 to close out the D2 CCA Midwest Tip-Off Challenge.
It was a defensive masterclass from the Green and Gold, who held the high-octane Mavericks to nearly 40 points below their 2025-26 season scoring average (91.2 ppg). It was also the lowest offensive output MSU has recorded since February 4, 2022 (46 points).
The Mavericks finished the game just 16-55 (29.1%) from the field and 3-13 (23.1%) from three-point range. NMU forced 20 turnovers, held a 45-35 advantage on the glass, and blocked eight shots.
NMU was also very active in the passing lanes and quick to close out on shooters. The Mavericks managed just five assists in the game, indicative of Northern's coordination and collaborative defensive pressure.
"We really turned it up defensively in the second quarter by holding them to nine points," said NMU Coach Casey Thousand. "It was a team effort. We were contesting every shot and making it difficult for them. People were doing their job and the energy was contagious."
Offensively, Northern shot 20-55 (36.4%) overall and 7-24 (29.2%) from three. Jordyn Schmittdiel fueled the effort for the Wildcats and received Player of the Game honors. She recorded an 10-point, 17-rebound double-double while also leading the Wildcats with three blocks.
Sydney Whitehouse paced the Wildcats with 14 points, connecting on three triples. She also dished out a game-high four assists, pulled down eight rebounds, and added three steals. Faith Walder added 10 points, while Addison Pytleski led the team with four steals.
