ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The St. Catherine University basketball team extended their win streak with a dominating 35 point defeat of non-conference opponent, University of Minnesota Morris at Butler Center. The 76-41 victory puts St. Kate's at 6-4 headed into the new year as they hold a 1-2 MIAC record. 

Junior Maddie Young led the way again for St. Kate's delivering 22 points with two rebounds and three steals. Hattie Fox followed with 20 points and five rebounds and Emme Golembiewski finished with seven points, eight rebounds and two blocks. 

Turnovers plagued both teams in the first quarter with St. Catherine capitalizing on free throws and fastbreak opportunities to pull ahead 17-13 by 3:18. Maddie Young proved pivotal with crucial layups and free throws for St. Kate's while Morris struggled to convert in the paint despite strong offensive rebounding.

The Wildcats dominated the second quarter, extending their lead with key contributions from Hattie Fox and Maddie Young. Fox hit a three-pointer and added a layup, while Young's aggressive drives in the paint resulted in multiple baskets and free throws.  Turnovers and missed opportunities proved costly for the Cougars, while the Wildcats capitalized on their strong defensive rebounding and fastbreak opportunities.

St. Kate's continued to hold onto the momentum coming out of the half to hold onto a 63-29 lead headed into the final quarter. In the closing minutes of the game, St. Kate's relied on Greta Schimnowski, Julia Harmon and Olivia Gannon who helped the Wildcats extend to a 37 point advantage. St. Kate's continued to force turnovers on Morris with Schimnowski the defensive force on the court for the purple and gold. 

St. Kate's returns to competition on Saturday as they host the No. 6 ranked Gustavus Adolphus College Golden Gusties at 3 pm at Butler Center.