MAYVILLE, ND--  The Comet women refused to let No. 7 Black Hills State University run away with the game in the second half when the Yellow Jackets were on the verge of taking a commanding lead. The Comets found themselves down 10 at the half and a quick 10-0 run to start the second half looked like the game was going to start getting out of reach. The Comets didn't back down responding to the Yellow Jackets run with a 16-2 run of their own. Freshmen Hailey Longtin caught fire from the three-point line during the run.

This brought the Comets within six points of the Yellow Jackets with about 10 minutes left in the game. Black Hills stayed poised during the final stretch and held on for a tough 74-63 victory on the road.

Hailey Longtin and Erin Ericson combined for 44 points for Mayville State University (2-10, 1-3) tonight. Ericson led the way with 23 points, going 9-for-10 from the free throw line. Longtin did most of her damage from the outside hitting 6-of-11 from beyond the arch.

The Comet defense did well forcing turnovers as the Yellow Jackets committed 25 turnovers tonight. Ericson, Longtin, and freshmen guard Kay Laforet each had two steals.

Black Hills State University (14-3, 4-0) had good games from their big three, Kristi Ryan, Keely, Krolikowski, and Katelynn Lamb. Lamb led the way scoring 17 points right on her season average. She also grabbed seven rebounds and recorded three steals. Kristi Ryan added 13 points going 3-for-5 from three point land and Keely Krolikowski had 12.

The Yellow Jackets big advantage in this game was on the glass as they out-rebounded the Comets 36-23. They pulled down 10 offensive rebounds tonight to create extra possessions for themselves.

What kept the Comets in this game was their aggression to the basket. All night long they were finding themselves getting to the foul line and converting their chances most of the time. The team went 17-for-22 at the line to keep the game within reach.

There just wasn't quite enough left in the tank at the end of the game to pull out the win. The Comets played tough in this game and didn't back down when facing a big deficit against a formidable opponent. Their next contest is Saturday, January 15, 2011 when they host South Dakota School of Mines & Technology at the Lewey Lee Fieldhouse. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m.