(WAYNE, NEB.) – Minot State women's basketball lost its second game in a row this afternoon at Wayne State college. The Wildcats came up clutch in the final minute of play and barely got away with the 73-72 victory.
Both teams went back-and-forth throughout the first half of competition. The Beavers jumped out to an early 7-2 advantage before Wayne State got into a rhythm. The Wildcats clawed their way through the first period and led by just two points after one.
In the second quarter, the roles were reversed as Wayne State commanded the first portion of the period. Erin Norling hit a deep three-ball with just over four minutes remaining in the half to give the Wildcats an 11-point lead, their largest of the game. Minot State battled back, though, and trailed by just two points at halftime.
The second half was just as contentious as neither team scored for the first two minutes of action. The momentum swayed between both sides before a triple from
Mariah Payne put the Beavers up by four points to end the period.
In the fourth, and final, quarter, Minot State rode their wave at the beginning of the frame. The Beavers lead by five points with seven minutes remaining after Payne canned another triple. MSU's defense amped up in the final five minutes and the Beavers seemed to be in prime position for a road victory.
Bethany Theodore drained a clutch three with the shot clock winding down to give Minot State the 72-70 lead with only 51-second showing on the clock. Wayne State's Norling made a great defensive play and stole the ball away from Minot State. Norling went coast-to-coast and banked one in plus a foul to tie the game. She made her free throw and the Beavers' final possession came up empty, giving the Wildcats a narrow victory.
Wayne State had five players in double-figures including the team-leader Josey Ryan with 16, Norling with 13, as well as Brittany Bongartz, Kylie Hammer, and Haley Vesey with 10 apiece. Norling also led the way on the glass with nine rebounds while Halley Busse made a team-best nine assists and three steals.
The Beavers were led by red-hot
Bethany Theodore with 23 points.
Mariah Payne added 20 and
Mollie Wilson had 13.
Haley Hildenbrand was just two points away from a double-double but led the team on the boards with 10 rebounds. Payne made six assists to lead the Beavers in that stat. Theodore also made several key defensive plays with five steals to her credit.
Minot State is now 4-16 overall in the 2019-20 season and 1-15 in league action. The Beavers will be back home next weekend when they complete season series with Upper Iowa on Friday, Feb. 14 at 5:30 p.m. and Winona State on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 3:30 p.m.
