MOORHEAD, Minn. -- Minnesota State Moorhead women's basketball used a spirited effort on both ends of the floor to secure a massive NSIC victory over UMary on Thursday evening. The Dragons defeated the Marauders in overtime on Play4Kay night, 76-69.
The University of Mary would open the game showcasing their potent brand of offense, building an 11-2 lead within the first three minutes of action.
Abby Berge would jolt the Dragon offense with a three-pointer with
Emily Srejma following suit. The senior made back-to-back midrange jumpers to bring Moorhead back within three points late in the quarter. Before the end of the frame,
Grace Massaquoi and
Aubrey Morrison would connect on three-pointers to pull the Dragons to within three points (20-17) after 10 minutes.
UMary would jump back out in front by nine points to begin the second period before Berge enlivened the Dragons again. Berge scored four straight to have MSUM within a point near the midway point of the quarter. The teams would cool off late in the frame, but Moorhead would still manage to secure a one-point halftime lead, 29-28. Berge led the Dragons with seven points through 20 minutes of action while Srejma added six.
With MSUM still retaining the lead early in the third period, it was the three-point shot that helped extend the Dragon advantage. Berge cashed home a three before
Caylin Kelly added one of her own. After Berge scored again, Moorhead led by ten points, 41-31, with just over five minutes to play in the third quarter. Before the end of the frame, UMary would come back to within three points, but the Dragons would lead 46-42 heading into the final 10 minutes.
The Marauders would quickly regain the scoreboard as the Dragons went stagnant on the offensive end. MSUM trailed 57-51 with under four minutes to play before the Dragons showcased their patented grit.
Ashton Safranski would jumpstart six straight Dragon points with
Aubrey Morrison capping the run with two free throws with over a minute to play. The charity stripe makes would even the count at 57 points and that score would hold firm after 40 minutes of action, forcing an overtime period.
It was Kelly who got the Dragons going in the overtime session, connecting on a three-pointer before Berge added another of her own. Midway through the extra session, Moorhead led 67-60 thanks to the baskets. UMary would get as close as three points shortly thereafter before the Dragons separated themselves, this time for good.
Terryn Johnson would score on a nifty reverse lay-in before Safranski and Morrison put the game on ice at the free throw line. Moorhead would win 76-69 behind a game-high 18 points from Berge, who also pulled down nine rebounds. Kelly added 16 points in the conference victory for the Dragons while Johnson snared 14 rebounds and Safranski 11 assists.
Top Dragons
Steve d'Eustachio's Stat of the Game
Tonight, the Dragons played in their fifth overtime game this season, setting a program record. It was also the first time they've won three overtime games in the same season since the 2017-18 squad accomplished the feat.
Up Next
MSUM (11-12, 8-11 NSIC) now readies for a home clash with Minot State set for Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
