SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – MSU Moorhead women's basketball had opportunities, but eventually lost in an NSIC Quarterfinal matchup with top-seeded Minnesota State. The Mavericks defeated the Dragons 101-74.
Minnesota State would open the game with their patented defensive intensity as the Dragons committed four turnovers in the first four minutes of play. However, MSUM would make up for those turnovers with some stifling defense of their own. That, coupled with an aggressive approach on the glass, helped put the Dragons up 7-6. That score held true by the midway point of the first quarter. MSUM led despite beginning the game one of eight from the field.
The Mavericks would come out of the media timeout on a 10-0 run to push in front 16-7. MSUM struggled all quarter shooting the ball despite getting some good looks as the Mavericks over pursued on defense. The Dragons ended the period shooting just three of 17 from the floor (17.6 percent) and one of 11 from three. Many of those three-point attempts were either open looks or rattled in and out. Minnesota State led 24-13 after one, forcing eight Dragon turnovers in the frame.
MSUM would dig into the Maverick lead thanks to baskets from
Abby Berge and
Natalie Jens to open the second period. The Dragons continued to get very good looks at the basket, but remained cold from the floor as Minnesota State continued their pace.
Ashley Gustavson would drain back-to-back triples to enliven the Dragon offense and put the score at 34-23 in favor of the Mavericks.
Olivia Skibiel would bury another three with just under four minutes remaining to bring MSUM to within 10 points. As the Dragons would stack up some defensive stops,
Maya Metcalf would put the deficit into single digits with two to play in the half with a three of her own. Minnesota State would lead 48-35 at the break as MSUM shot just 33.3 percent from the floor. Jens led the Dragons with nine first half points followed by Gustavson with six. After turning the ball over eight times in the first period, MSUM only surrendered one turnover in the second frame.
The Dragons would dwindle the lead back down to nine points thanks to a rare four-point play from
Karlee Fisher early in the third quarter. Minnesota State would come right back following the quick Dragon flurry to regain a 17-point lead, 62-45. The top seeded-Mavericks would outscore the Dragons 32-9 in the final seven minutes of play in the quarter. Minnesota State would lead 84-52 through 30 minutes. The Mavericks shot 70 percent in the third period.
While MSUM would continue to fight throughout the final period, the Maverick lead proved too potent overall. Minnesota State would claim the victory, 101-74. MSUM would outscore Minnesota State 22-17 in the final quarter and would hold the Mavericks scoreless for the final two minutes of competition. In true MSUM style, the Dragons outrebounded the Mavericks, 42-35.
MSUM concludes its season 13-16 overall.
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