MAYVILLE, ND. -- Mayville State University hosted No. 4 University of Sioux Falls Cougars (12-1) on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at home. The Cougars were hot from beyond the three-point line in the first half hitting 9-of-22 from the outside. Laura Johnson led the three-point barrage for the Cougars going 5-for-11 from the outside for the game. Johnson finished with a game high 17 points.

Mayville State struggled to hit shots in the first half falling behind 44-22 at the break. Vanessa Johnson got the Cougars going in the first half scoring 13 of her 16 total points.

The Comet women played well in the second half outscoring the Cougars 40-34 to bring the final count to 78-62. The girls were better defensively and shot the ball well from the outside in the second half. Laura Taylor led all Comets with 16 points, including a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line.

Kira DeMorales had a strong all-around effort for the women with 15 points, seven rebounds, and a game-high five steals. Her effort on defense getting deflections, steals, and clogging passing lanes was big for the Comets during their second half run.

Erin Ericson came off the bench and made some big shots to get us back into the game. Erin finished with 14 points, going 3-for-5 from the three-point line and 5-for-6 at the free throw line.

As a team the Comets shot well from the foul line converting on 23-of-29 chances from there.

Sioux Falls lived and died by the three in this game. It was tale of two half's for the Cougars. They finished the game 12-for-41 from the three-point line. Over two-thirds of their total field goals were from downtown, so there is no hiding what they were trying to do. In the first half it was working for them as they were 9-of-22, which built their lead. Although in the second half, the Comet defense was tighter and their shooters cooled off, contributing to their 3-of-19 second half shooting from beyond the arch.

The Cougars did a good job grabbing offensive rebounds with 11 second chance opportunities in the game.

The slow start definitely played a factor in the decision tonight, but the Comets did a great job fighting in the second half to keep the game competitive.

Mayville State (2-7) (1-0) is off until 2011 when they resume conference play. They will be on the road as they take on Dickinson State and Minot State University.