Staff Writer- Katie Thomas
On Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, the Women’s Basketball teams from Gustavus Adolphus College and St. Catherine University played each other in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference matchup. Gustavus, playing at home in Saint Peter, Minnesota, pulled away with a strong 87–55 victory over the Wildcats.
Coming into the game, both teams were deep into their season of conference play. With the regular season winding down, every possession mattered. Both teams wanted to add the win to their season score and came to fight for it. The opening quarter reflected the intensity of the game. Both teams began with defensive energy, contesting shots and fighting for rebounds. Gustavus started off early with a rhythm offensively. They were able to work the ball inside and then spacing the floor to create open perimeter looks. St. Catherine responded with aggressive drives and transition opportunities, keeping the margin manageable. Gustavus pulled ahead, but the Wildcats showed determination and refused to let the game slip away early.
In the second quarter, the Gusties began to separate themselves slightly through ball movement and shot selection. Their offense was strong and kept possession well. Swinging the ball around the arc, making runs, and waiting for high-percentage opportunities. St. Catherine had moments of offensive efficiency, especially when attacking the basket and capitalizing on second-chance points. Gustavus’s defense aimed to eliminate the Wildcats’ points, and they limited clean looks and forced faraway attempts as the half continued.
By halftime, Gustavus held a good lead, but the game was still within reach for the Wildcats. The Gusties came out strong and wanted to close out the game. With a disciplined defense and sharp offensive execution, fast ball pressure, disrupting passing lanes, and overall starred to control the game. The pace quickly picked up, and Gustavus scored substantial points to increase their lead. A major factor in the lead increase was Gustavus’s ability to shoot outside the perimeter. The Gusties found consistent success from three-point range, stretching the Wildcats’ defense and opening driving lanes. St. Catherine combatted this by closing out more aggressively on shooters. In turn, Gustavus capitalized on quick driving and passing to find interior finishes. Playing unselfishly as a team, Gustavus kept their expanded lead. With a double-digit lead, the Gusties had a strong momentum going. They continued to push the tempo and maintain composure rather than simply running out the clock. Many players contributed meaningful minutes, adding energy and reinforcing the team’s depth. The bench was alive with cheers and was happy when their teammates got to check in for minutes on the court. St. Catherine continued to compete and didn’t give up. The lead created by the Gusties proved too large to overcome. Gustavus closed the game with confidence, securing an 87 to 55 victory that reflected the work they put into the game. With their shooting efficiency, rebounding, defensive intensity, and depth.
Statistically, the game highlighted Gustavus’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc and convert defensive stops into points. This ability allowed the Gusties to get the win, but Gustavus’s ability to work together as a team was just as important. Gustavus’s coming out stronger at halftime showed their ability to elevate its play after a break, illustrated in-game adaptability. Each player executed their roles, and the collective effort made for a cohesive game. For Gustavus, the win added more momentum to their season, which is important heading toward the final stretch of the regular season. It contributed to their season stats, making their overall record 16-7.
Their final regular season game will be at home in St. Peter against St. Mary’s on Saturday, Feb. 21st at 1:00 p.m. Good luck and go Gusties!