BEMIDJI, Minn. – Minnesota State Moorhead women's basketball trailed by as many as 15 points but would eventually lead late in a Thursday night clash with Bemidji State. Ultimately, the Beavers clipped the Dragons in the closing moments, 55-53.
The Beavers would jump out of the gates in the first quarter, building a 12-2 lead thanks to a pair of early three-pointers. Bemidji State continued to look sharp as the first quarter wore on with the Dragons struggling to score. Moorhead shot just three of 14 in the first 10 minutes as the Beavers held a 21-9 advantage. The Beavers connected on a trio of threes in the quarter while the Dragons began one of six from distance.
MSUM would continue to struggle on offense despite the Beavers cooling off to open the second period. The Beavers led 27-13 midway through the period with
Terryn Johnson scoring five points for Moorhead.
Aubrey Morrison would hit a three-pointer late in the half to get the Dragons within 11 points. MSUM trailed 32-21 at the break behind six points from Morrison. Moorhead shot just 25 percent from the floor in the first half, including a two for nine clip from long range.
The Dragons would continue their comeback quest into the second half as
Ayelishka Teko-Folly dropped in a basket to get the score within single digits. Johnson and Teko-Folly would score again to cut the Dragon deficit to four points with four minutes to play in the third quarter. A post bucket from Johnson, followed by a driving lay-in from
Ashton Safranski had the Dragons within a point with a minute left in the frame. Johnson and Safranski would link up in the pick and roll to give Moorhead its first lead, 39-38. That score would hold after three quarters.
Moorhead would outscore the Beavers 18-6 in the third period with the Dragon defense making a major difference. MSUM held the Beavers to one of six from the floor for the entire quarter, as well as forcing eight turnovers. The Dragons would also earn seven offensive rebounds in the third period.
A hard-earned finish from
Karlee Fisher would put the Dragons in front by three points near the midway point of the final quarter. Bemidji State would eventually even the score back up with the teams trading baskets down the stretch. The Beavers would score with seven seconds remaining in regulation to take a 55-53 lead. Fisher would have a solid look to win the game on the final possession. However, the shot fell short with the Beavers claiming the narrow victory. Moorhead shot 28.8 percent from the floor for the game.
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MSUM (4-2, 1-1 NSIC) looks towards a home game against Minnesota Duluth, which is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.
