ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Minnesota State Moorhead women's basketball used a sharp start to earn another victory at the CWU D2 Tipoff Classic on Saturday. The Dragons bested Montana State Billings, 61-56.
An eight-point onslaught from
Ayelishka Teko-Folly would jumpstart the Dragons. The junior had a pair of and-one finishes in her individual flurry, Teko-Folly's early momentum translated to the defensive side of the ball for Moorhead as well. The Dragons limited the Yellow Jackets to just one field goal make in their first 10 attempts.
A late basket from
Ashton Safranski had MSUM up 15-4 after 10 minutes. Montana State Billings was limited to 10.5 percent shooting (2-19) in the frame.
Caylin Kelly and
Grace Massaquoi would keep the offense steady into the second quarter. MSUM would lead 23-13 lead midway through the quarter.
While the Yellow Jackets would pull within three points, Safranski would lead the Dragons into the locker room. The junior scored 10 first-half points, including the final make of the second period. Moorhead led 31-20 while limiting Montana State Billings to 25.8 percent shooting for the half. The Dragons would also force 14 Yellow Jacket turnovers led by three steals from Kelly.
The Yellow Jackets would provide a response out of the locker room, opening the second half on a 10-0 run. Montana State Billings would trail by just one (31-30) before
Sydney Dahl and
Aubrey Morrison scored to push MSUM back in front by six. The Yellow Jackets would get back within a point late before Moorhead surged again.
Julia MacAdams would score, followed a three from Safranski and MSUM led 44-38 heading into the final 10 minutes. The Dragons shot just four of 19 from the floor in the third quarter.
Moorhead had another response early in the final stanza after MSU Billings cut the deficit to three points. Kelly would sink a three to double the Dragon lead once more. MacAdams would showcase her post skill to help the Dragon lead move to nine points with just over two minutes to go. Montana State Billings would get as close five points down the stretch, but MSUM would hang on for a 61-56 victory.
Safranski again led the Dragons with 20 points with seven rebounds and six assists. Kelly scored 13 points while snaring 13 rebounds for an impressive double-double line. Teko-Folly and MacAdams each finished with eight points, combining for a 63.6 percent success rate from the floor.
Up Next
MSUM (2-0) concludes action at the CWU D2 Tipoff Classic tomorrow evening against 21
st-ranked Western Washington at 7 p.m.
