The third-ranked St. Thomas women’s basketball team maintained its undefeated record Wednesday night in St. Peter behind senior All-American center Kaitlin Langer’s 32 points and 10 boards.

In a battle of unbeaten women’s basketball and with the MIAC lead at stake, the Tommies handed the previously unbeaten Gusties its first loss of the season. St. Thomas (19-0 overall, 13-0 MIAC) outscored Gustavus (19-1 overall, 12-1 MIAC) 75-69.

The game marked their 29th consecutive regular-season win and 25th consecutive win in the MIAC.

Langer said the team approached it just like any other game.

“We knew it would be a fun battle, especially with the big crowd,” Langer said. “We just stuck to our game plan. We executed the things we needed to.”

Gustavus had a lead of 23-19 after the first quarter, but the Tommies took charge and outscored the Gusties 22-12 in the second quarter. Langer led the way, tying her career record of 32 points.

The Tommies continued their lead into the third quarter, racking up a 14-point lead before the Gusties came back within one point with 4:55 remaining in the fourth.

Langer said the one point lead was the turning point.

“I think the key moment was when they came within one. It was 66-67,” said Langer.

The Tommies pulled ahead and held the Gusties to just three points for the remainder of the game.

Coach Sinn said it was a great battle. Now, the team is focused on taking things one practice at a time.

“We’re looking at how we can improve, how we can grow, how we can be our best,” said Coach Sinn. “We have another game against St. Kate’s. St. Kate’s beat us last year, and they did it in a convincing fashion.”

St. Thomas will play St. Kate’s at 3 p.m. Saturday in Schoenecker Arena.