MINOT, N.D. – MSU Moorhead women's basketball saw a stellar conclusion to National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Wednesday evening. The Dragons celebrated in style with a 71-64 NSIC win over Minot State.
First Half
Minot State would come out sharp on offense, opening the game on a 9-2 run before
Terryn Johnson scored for the Dragons. Johnson would connect again to try and give the Dragons an offensive rhythm. MSUM began the contest shooting just three of 10 from the floor with senior guard
Natalie Jens collecting two fouls early. The Beavers led by three points midway through the first period.
Former Beaver
Emily Srejma would score on a pick and roll to give MSUM some life late in the period.
Ashley Fritz would bury a three from the top of the key to bring the Dragons back within two points, 15-13. Minot State led 17-13 after one quarter as the Dragons shot just six of 19 for the period.
While the home team would lead by as many as nine points early in the second quarter, MSUM would keep pace thanks to Johnson and
Caylin Kelly. Foul shots from
Ashton Safranski had the Dragons back within five points at the halfway point of the quarter. Johnson would then score on three straight Dragon possessions to pull MSUM within one point.
Safranski would hit a three to give MSUM a lead with just over two minutes to play. However, Minot State would lead 36-33 at the break after the teams traded baskets down the stretch. Johnson was excellent in the half, scoring 14 points on a perfect seven of seven shooting. Safranski scored seven points with six assists for MSUM.
Second Half
The Beavers would lead by as many as seven points to start the second half before a three from
Tori Ratz sparked the Dragons. Jens would drive and score on a layup to bring MSUM within two points.
DJ Davis would then bank home two triples to keep the momentum up for the Dragons late in the frame. Minot State led 48-46 after three quarters as neither team shot over 30 percent for the period.
MSUM would regain the lead two minutes into the final period after another three from Fritz, her third of the game. The sophomore would swish home another the next trip down to put the Dragons up four points. Fritz was not done there, hitting nothing but net yet again to make the Dragon lead six midways through the quarter.
The Dragons would extend their lead to seven points (61-54) with three minutes to play after a score from Jens and a steal from Safranski. Minot State would pull back within the three points with just over a minute to play. Safranski would make the play of the night from there, poking the ball loose and getting fouled on the other end. The freshman connected on two foul shots to provide a five-point cushion.
In total, Safranski made eight foul shots down the stretch to secure the game for MSUM. The Dragons won 71-65 with Safranski scoring 15 points with eight assists and two steals. Fritz also finished with 15 points, draining five three-pointers. Johnson continued her double-double streak with 14 points and 10 rebounds. The performance is Johnson's fifth straight double-double showing.
Safranski finished the game 10 for 10 from the charity stripe, matching the single-game school record for free throw percentage held by her aunt, Tracy Safranski. On January 10, 1996, Safranski made all 14 of her free throw attempts in a game against Wayne State College.
Top Dragons
Up Next
MSUM (11-12, 9-8 NSIC) will look towards a home matchup against UMary on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
