MOORHEAD, Minn. -- MSU Moorhead women's basketball secured a massive NSIC victory on Saturday evening in thrilling fashion. The Dragons used an overtime tempest to defeat St. Cloud State, 78-66. 

First Half

The first period saw MSUM build a seven-point lead following a 6-0 burst thanks to baskets from Natalie Jens and Abby Berge. The sophomore Berge would lead the way through 10 minutes, scoring six points for MSUM. The Dragons led 16-13 after one quarter of play and would remain in front by three points (18-15) before going on another run. A 7-0 run, kickstarted by a three from Ashton Safranski helped balloon the Dragon lead to 10 points ahead of the midway point of the second quarter. 

St. Cloud State would close the half on a 5-0 run after back-to-back baskets from Terryn Johnson. The Dragons led 31-26 at the break as Berge scored eight points followed by Safranski with seven. MSUM was balanced in the scoring column through 20 minutes as Jens and Johnson each had six points for the Dragons. 

Second Half

Five quick points out of the locker room from Karlee Fisher helped push the Dragons back in front by eight points. Eventually, St. Cloud State would whittle the MSUM lead back down to three points with just over four minutes to play in the third period. Heading into the final frame, MSUM would hold a four-point lead, 49-45, as Safranski had 12 points for the Dragons. 

The Dragons held an eight-point lead midway through the fourth quarter after a three from Jens and a basket from Johnson. However, St. Cloud State would not waver, using a 7-0 run to pull within one point with 39 seconds to play. Safranski would bury a pair of crucial foul shots to keep the Dragons up by three points with 12 seconds to play. Unfortunately for MSUM, some miscommunication on defense allowed the Huskies a great look to tie with time expiring. St. Cloud State would not squander the opportunity, sending the game into overtime with a made three-pointer. 

Overtime

The momentum shift was clear as overtime began with the visitors scoring the period's first two field goals. From there, head coach Karla Nelson opted to adjust the lineup she had been rolling with for most of the contest. Nelson subbed in freshman Caylin Kelly, who made an immediate impact when the Dragons needed it most. Kelly would drain a triple from the top of the key to put MSUM back in front, 67-66. 

On the defensive end, Safranski would do what she does best: steal the ball, on consecutive Husky possessions no less. The Dragons would lead by three with two minutes to play after free throws from Berge. The game-shifting play came after another forced turnover by the Huskies as Safranski would find a wide open Jens for a three-pointer. Jens' make put the Dragons up by five points. From there, Jens and Safranski would put the game on ice thanks to makes at the charity stripe. 

MSUM would win 78-66, finishing the overtime period on a 16-0 run and holding the Huskies scoreless for nearly four minutes. Four Dragons scored in double figures, led by Jens with 20. Berge and Safranski each scored 16 and had a combined seven steals between them. Johnson secured her fourth straight double-double, netting 12 points with 12 rebounds. 

Top Dragons

• Natalie Jens: 20 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal
• Abby Berge: 16 points, eight rebounds, three steals
• Ashton Safranski: 16 points, four rebounds, four assists, four steals
• Terryn Johnson: 12 points, 12 rebounds, four assists

Steve d'Eustachio's Stat of the Game

Tonight marks the first time the Dragons have capped off a two-game season sweep of St. Cloud St. since the 2018/2019 season. That squad won 82-75 in St. Cloud Jan. 26, 2019, then won here 65-61 twenty nights later en route to a division title, conference title and program record 27-win season. 

Up Next

The Dragons (10-12, 8-8 NSIC) will travel to Minot, N.D, for a Wednesday night matchup against Minot State. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.