Led by 8 points and 14 rebounds from center Maggie Weiers, the St. Thomas women’s basketball team thrashed the Buena Vista (Iowa) Beavers 71-48 Saturday night at Schoenecker Arena.

In a matchup of previously unbeaten teams, Weiers said it was a defensive game for both teams.

“It was really important to focus on defense because of their offensive power. We came in really just trying to be strong defenders and score easily on offense. So we were just working the ball around our shell offense and trying to exploit their zone,” Weiers said.

Buena Vista entered the game with a high-powered offense that averaged 94 points in its first three games. Coach Ruth Sinn said the team would have to be sharp defensively to be able to stop the Beavers offense.

“We pride ourselves on our defense, and our goal was to make them work, not give fast 3-point shots, guard the arc, and I thought the girls did a nice job of it,” Sinn said.

Sinn said winning the statistics battle was not only an important part of Saturday’s matchup with Buena Vista but will be a factor down the road this season.

“As a defensive team, we felt that this was a phenomenal opportunity to get back to our fundamentals and how we play,” Sinn said. “We always talk about the big three: free throws, turnovers and rebound battles. If we can win these battles, then we can win basketball games, and we did that tonight.”

Injuries plagued the team in the 2013-14 season, but it returned 8 seniors and a healthy core this season, which Weiers said is a difference-maker.

“It’s fun to be out there with everyone healthy and strong. We wanted to come back playing healthy and keep our standards at our level,” Weiers said. “We will keep plugging away throughout the season and use our preseason momentum to propel us into a tough MIAC schedule.”

Guard Jenna Dockter contributed heavily, recording 13 points, four assists and three steals. She said the slow start – St. Thomas led 31-25 at halftime – didn’t discourage the Tommies.

“I think we made some great adjustments at halftime. We came out with better energy that fueled our run in the second half,” Dockter said.

Dockter said taking points where they are available is a key to playing a defensive game.

“Our team likes to play an up-tempo offense, and we definitely wanted to push the ball on our end,” Dockter said. “By spreading the floor and attacking the gaps, we can take advantage of our height down low in the post.”

The Tommies now take a nine-day break and resume play Nov. 30 at home against Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Luke Moe can be reached at moe95234@stthomas.edu.