Macalester vs. St. Catherine statistics

Jessica Rene (So., Eau Claire, Wis. / Memorial) was red-hot from long range, knocking down 6-of-8 three-pointers, to score a career-high 22 points and lead visiting Macalester past St. Catherine 83-65 as the first half of the MIAC's double round robin schedule wraps up. The Scots improve to 9-5 overall and at 9-2 in the MIAC, and are tied with Concordia for second place in the standings, one game behind 10-1 Gustavus.

Ann Baltzer (Sr., Bismarck, N.D.) also finished with 22 points for the Scots. Holly Schiedermayer (So., Waupaca, Wis.) made six of her eight shots and finished with 12 points. Combined, Rene, Baltzer and Schiedermayer went 21-for-34 from the field.

Danielle Johnson (Sr., DeForest, Wis. / Madison Edgewood) chipped in with nine points, five rebounds and three assists. Eartha Bell (Sr., Minneapolis, Minn. / Breck School) contributed four assists, six rebounds and four of her team's nine steals. Trina PaStarr (Sr., Minneapolis, Minn. / Southwest) finished with nine points, five boards, four assists and a couple blocked shots.

Mac had a dominant 20-4 advantage in offensive rebounds and shot 52% in the decisive second half. The opening half was close throughout and the Scots had a slim 36-32 lead at the break despite a 52% SCU shooting performance.  Macalester led 15-6 in points off turnovers on the game and 15-3 in second chance points.

The Scots extended their halftime lead to 61-50 with another Rene three-pointer midway through the period. They make it 15 points at 70-55 and with 4:17 to go owned a 19-point margin at 74-55.

Laura Kalbfell had a big night for the Wildcats, scoring 29 points to go along with three blocked shots and two steals.

Macalester begins the second half of its conference schedule Wednesday (Jan. 20) at home against St. Mary's at 7:30 p.m.