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WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary's University women's basketball coach Mandy Pearson couldn't have asked for a better start from her team in their home opener.

But it was the end result that had Pearson smiling the most.

The Cardinals opened the game on an 11-2 run and got 19 points from senior Jess Miller (Carver, Minn.) as they topped UW-Platteville 69-60 on Tuesday at the SMU Gym to win their first home opener since 2006.

“It's exciting to start off our season like this, there is a totally different atmosphere around the team,” Miller said. “Everything has been positive, we really trust and believe in each other.”

The play of the game for SMU came with just over 12 minutes left in the second half.

Trailing 39-36, guard Kristin Robatcek (Cambridge, Minn.) drove the left side of the lane, was fouled, and got the shot to drop. She then converted the free throw to tie the game.

That started a 12-2 run for SMU and the Cardinals never looked back.

“That really gave us some energy, it was a huge momentum changer” Pearson said. “Kristin is a very aggressive player, and she was able to finish.”

The Pioneers were able to cut the lead to as little as six, but SMU shot a perfect 15-for-15 from the free throw line down the stretch to seal the game.

“We did a great job getting to the line tonight, more than anything,” Pearson said. “It was nice to see us convert when we got there.”

SMU's defense came up big as well, as Platteville shot just 29 percent from the field (22-74).

“Our ball pressure was great tonight, and we didn't give them a lot of good looks,” said Pearson, who — along with Miller's 19 points — also got 10 points and seven rebounds from Jessica Thone (Woodbury, Minn.). “This was a big win for us, and our women are pretty excited right now.”