OMAHA, Neb. —The Omaha Mavericks women’s basketball team opened its home schedule with a 62-50 loss against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits Friday afternoon.

 The Mavericks showcased their skills offensively and defensively in the first quarter, by scoring 19 points, shooting 85% from the field, including 3-of-3 from 3-point land, and holding the Jackrabbits to 6-of-15 shooting in the opening quarter and 3-of-21 on 3-pointers for the entire game.

“Our defense all year has been the best thing about this team,” first-year Mavericks head coach Carrie Banks said.

Both teams’ defenses continued to play strongly into the second quarter as the teams combined to score just 16 points. The Mavericks led the entire first half, taking 25-24 lead into the break.

Center Elena Pilakouta led the Mavericks in scoring with 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field and snatching a season-high seven rebounds in the loss.  

“She’s doing a really good job, and when we throw the ball inside to her, good things happen,” Banks said.

Good things, however, didn’t happen for the Mavericks in the third quarter. Jackrabbits forwards Myah Selland, Paiton Burkhard and Tori Nelson combined for 16 points while the team outscored the Mavericks 24-16 in the third quarter Jackrabbits led 48-41 after three quarters.

The Jackrabbit defense limited the Mavericks to just 27.3% shooting in the fourth compared to South Dakota State’s 45.5%

Selland led the Jackrabbits in scoring with 20 points and recorded seven rebounds, five assists and three steals.

“She’s going to get her shots,” Banks said. “She’s a great player.”