The Mayville State University men's basketball team went on the road last night to play #20 Valley City State University. This is the third time the Comets have played the Vikings this year. The Vikings got the better of the Comets in the first two, but last night was different as Mayville State came out on top thanks to a late three point basket from Steven Ivory Jr.

The first half of action proved to be similar in fashion to the first two games which revealed early on that the game would be won on the defensive end of the floor. Tough defensive pressure made it difficult for either team to find much of an offensive rhythm in the first half. Valley City built a slim lead early on in the game, but Mayville State was able to fight their way back and take a six point lead with three minutes remaining. After a timeout, Valley City regrouped and hit a few shots to finish out the half to take a 24-22 lead into the break.

The Comets scored 22 points in the first half on 8 of 22 shooting for 36%. The Comets were just 1 for 5 from behind the arc. A balanced scoring attack was led by Austin Emerson with five points while Cody Coauette, Dexter Elliott, Sam Hyman, and Mike Lindsay each chipped in four points.

Second half play began slowly for the Comets as the Vikings stretched their two point half time lead to 10 points just a few minutes in. Mayville spent the rest of the half clawing their way back and chipping away at the lead. With under a minute to play the Comets trailed 54-51 before Sam Hyman hit a baseline jumper to cut the lead to one point with 18 seconds to play. After a sideline inbounds the Comets fouled to put Valley City at the line for two free throws. The Vikings converted on one of the two free throws giving themselves a two point lead. Mayville brought the ball across half court and called time out with 14.5 seconds to play trailing Valley City by two points. After a sideline inbounds Austin Emerson found Steven Ivory Jr. at the top of the key with just a few seconds remaining. Ivory Jr. gathered the basketball and sunk a three with two seconds left on the clock to take a one point lead. After advancing the ball and calling timeout the Vikings had one last shot, but they were unable to connect giving the Comets a 56-55 victory.

Mayville State shot 57% (10-23) from the field in the second half and 67% (4-6) from behind the arc. Austin Emerson led the way for the Comets in scoring with 14 points on 6-11 shooting. After foul trouble sidelined him in the first half, Steven Ivory Jr. added 11 second half points for a total of 12 on the game. Sam Hyman added nine points while Cody Coauette, Dexter Elliott, and Mike Lindsay each chipped in seven. Defensively the Comets held Valley City to just 39% overall from the field and 29% from behind the arc.  

The Comets will host Jamestown College on Sunday, February 17 at 6pm.