MOORHEAD, Minn. – MSU Moorhead women's basketball used 22 huge points from
Natalie Jens to secure their 10th NSIC win of the season in a 55-46 win over Wayne State.
The Dragons would jump out to a 9-2 run through the first seven minutes of the first quarter. MSUM was led by four early points from
Terryn Johnson in the stretch while the Wildcats began the frame shooting just one of seven from the floor.
Ashley Gustavson would come off the bench and score a swift eight points in five minutes of action. Gustavson's burst helped the Dragons lead 16-6 after 10 minutes.
MSUM would only continue to stretch the lead in the second quarter as they would lead by 11 midway through. After shooting just 25 percent from the floor in the first 10 minutes, Wayne State improved their shooting to 42.9 percent through five minutes of play in the second. The Wildcats would close the first half on an 8-3 run, but would still trail 30-21 at the break.
Gustavson led the scoring for both teams with eight points followed by six points each from
Natalie Jens and
Abby Berge. MSUM held a plus-seven advantage on the glass through 20 minutes and would shoot an efficient 51.9 percent from the floor.
The Wildcats would cut the Dragon lead to five points early in the third quarter with Wayne State making four of their first six shot attempts. On the other end, MSUM would shoot just three of eight to begin the quarter. Despite the difference in shooting, the Dragons remained in front 38-32 midway through the period.
By quarter's end, MSUM still led by six points, 41-35 as the Dragons would hold Wayne State scoreless for the final three minutes of play. MSUM shot just 30.8 percent from the field in the third period as Jens scored six points to pace the Dragons.
In the fourth quarter, MSUM would extend its lead back into double figures as Jens continued to score at will. Midway through the period, the Dragons would lead 49-41 despite opening the frame shooting two of seven from the floor. Wayne State would cut the deficit to five points (49-44) with just under four minutes remaining. Jens would score with just over three minutes left to put MSUM back up seven points.
The Dragon defense would prove superior in the final stages of the game. Both Gustavson and
Karlee Fisher would both collect blocked shots to help keep Wayne State scoreless for over three minutes. That would prove enough for MSUM to claim a 55-46 victory.
Top Dragons
Steve d'Eustachio's Stat of the Game
Tonight marks the first time the Dragons have posted a two-game regular season sweep over Wayne St. since the 2004-2005 season. That 24-7 squad set the school record for wins, won the NSIC regular season title, and made the D-II NCAA playoffs for the first time ever.
Up Next
MSUM (10-14, 10-9 NSIC) plays in their final regular season home game tomorrow afternoon against Augustana beginning at 3:30 p.m.
