MOORHEAD, Minn. -- MSU Moorhead women's basketball begins NSIC competition this week in a pair of contests. The Dragons match up with Northern State at home on Thursday beginning at 5:30 p.m. before traveling to the University of Mary on Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. tilt. 

Live video and stats will be available at msumdragons.com. Saturday's contest with the Marauders will be broadcast over the airwaves on AM 1100/FM 92.3 with 'Big Game' James McCarty on the call. 

Matchup History...Although contentious, Northern State has won four of the previous six meetings with the Dragons. Northern State defeated MSUM in their lone tilt a season ago, 60-44 in Aberdeen, S.D. The teams split the 2022-23 season series with the Dragons defeating the Wolves on January 10, 2023, 60-53. The Dragons had won six straight against the Wolves from December  2017 until February 2021. Mary has also taken four of the last six meetings with the Dragons. The Marauders swept MSUM a season ago as the last Dragon win over Mary came on February 18, 2023 (76-72).

Last Time Out...The Dragons survived a late scare from UC Colorado Springs to close the Hoops In Hawaii Classic. MSUM led by as many as 16 points and would take the game, 62-55. Abby Berge led the scoring with 17 points for the Dragons, including nine made free throws (on 11 attempts). 

Terry Unlimited...Junior forward Terryn Johnson continued her string of solid play in Hawaii last week. Johnson averaged a double double of 11.5 points and 12 rebounds in two Dragon wins. The Kindred, N.D., native scored 13 points and had 13 rebounds against Hawaii Pacific on Tuesday. Johnson shot 57.1 percent for the week and was named to the Hoops In Hawaii Classic All-Tournament Team. The junior was also featured on the NSIC's 'Shining Five' for the week. 

Jens Catches Fire...Senior guard Natalie Jens found her shooting rhythm for MSUM last week in Hawaii. Jens averaged 16 points a game in the two Dragon victories, including six made three-pointers. The Beaver Dam, Wis., native shot six of 11 overall (54.5 percent) from long distance in the two games. Jens was also named to the Hoops In Hawaii Classic All-Tournament Team for her efforts. 

Heading Back For Mainland...After two victories as part of the Hoops In Hawaii Classic, MSUM is now 6-3 all-time in games played in the state of Hawaii. The first Dragon win in 'The Aloha State' came on December 19, 2006 when MSUM defeated Glenville State, 72-71 in overtime. Prior to last week, MSUM had not won a game in Hawaii since November 27, 2019, a 61-45 victory over Hawaii-Hilo. 

Sinking The Easy Ones...Sophomore Abby Berge utilized the free throw line to her advantage, which provided MSUM timely offense. Berge made eight freebies against Hawaii Pacific, adding nine against UC Colorado Springs. Over the two games, Berge shot an impressive 17-19 (89.4 percent) from the line. 

Trending Up...As a whole, MSUM shot for an exceedingly higher percentage in their two Hawaii games. The Dragons shot 40.3 percent (46-114) from the floor and 40 percent (12-30) from long range last week. Coming into those games, MSUM had season percentages of 29.4 from the field and 23.4 from long distance. 

Quick Scout...A veteran-laden Wolves roster will no doubt be paced by junior post Madelyn Bragg, who scores 16 points per game for NSU. Graduate guard Rianna Fillipi can also be a lethal scorer and distributor for the Wolves. Mary features three players who are averaging double figures led by sophomore Bergan Kinnebrew. The Bismarck, N.D., product scores 17.2 points per contest.

Karla Nelson is in her 25th season as MSUM's head women's basketball coach.