MARSHALL, Minn. – MSU Moorhead women's basketball battled in the first half, but fell victim to the potent offense of 25th-ranked Southwest Minnesota State on Friday. The Mustangs used a strong second half to push past the Dragons, 93-70.
Inside The Game
- SMSU immediately took control of the score in the first period with MSUM hanging tough throughout.
- The Dragons held the high volume Mustangs to just two of nine shooting from deep in the first 10 minutes.
- A returning Natalie Jens offered up offense for the Dragons, scoring five points in the frame.
- The Mustangs led by just four points (22-18) after one quarter.
- SMSU would employ a fullcourt press early in the second quarter which stifled the Dragons.
- The defense helped SMSU expand their lead to 11 points (34-23) with over six minutes to play.
- Points from Caylin Kelly, Ashton Safranski and Karlee Fisher helped cut the deficit to single digits before the break.
- SMSU led 43-34 at halftime despite shooting four of 17 from three-point range.
- Safranski led MSUM with eight points and four rebounds while Jens added seven points.
- MSUM shot just 31.6 percent from the field in the first half, including a two of 12 clip from deep.
- The Dragons emerged from the locker room on a 4-0 run to bring the count within five points.
- SMSU responded with a 7-0 run, eventually leading 52-38 before a Safranski triple.
- The Mustangs led 67-52 after three quarters as Safranski and Terryn Johnson each had 11 points for MSUM.
- SMSU would outscore the Dragons 26-18 in the final 10 minutes of play, shooting 57.1 percent from the floor.
- Safranski and Johnson each had 13 points to lead the Dragons. Jens had 12 points in her return to the floor.
Top Dragons
Up Next
MSUM (6-9, 4-5 NSIC) will travel to Sioux Falls, S.D. for a 3:30 p.m. game with USF tomorrow afternoon.
