The fourth-ranked Minnesota West Lady Jays led by 12 at halftime and poured it on in the second half Wednesday night to earn an 80-50 victory over Minnesota State-Fergus Falls in their first game on their MCAC schedule this season.
Katrina Schutz scored 18 of her game-high 24 points in the second half for the Lady Jays, who are now 9-7 overall. Schutz, who made 11 of her 16 field-goal attempts, also pulled down 11 rebounds to lead all players. Rhea Tucker also had a solid outing with 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting and 10 rebounds, while Sadie Krahling chipped in with 13 points.
The Lady Jays, who came into the night averaging 25 turnovers per outing, turned it over just 11 times while Fergus Falls — which dressed just six players -- committed 30 turnovers. The Spartans dropped to 5-5.
In the men's contest, Minnesota West trimmed a 16-point deficit down to just two, but Fergus Falls retook command and topped the Bluejays 89-80. Minnesota West got as close as 72-70 but wound up taking just its third loss of the season against 14 wins. The Spartans are 15-1.
Zackery Rigg led the Bluejays in both scoring and rebounding with 21 points and nine boards. Deondre Wallace added 19 points and Keion Irvin had 15 for the Bluejays. Foday Sheriff, who ranked third in the MCAC in scoring and rebounding entering the night, had 24 points and 11 rebounds for the Spartans.
