Box Score The Mayville State University women's basketball team played host to Northwestern (Iowa) University tonight in the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse. Northwestern entered tonight with a 1-2 record, losing to the University of Jamestown last night, 74-59.
Both teams had a tough time getting things started early, turnovers and good defense held both teams to limited offense thoughout the first quarter. The Comets were able to get an offensive rebound and a put back from Andi Gayner to bring MSU within one with two minutes left in the first. The quarter ended with Northwestern leading, 16-15
The Comets had to play strong defense early in the second to make sure things kept close, the MSU offense stalled for the first half of the second quarter. Claire Blascziek was able to get things going for the Comets with a couple of steals on the defensive end, a couple of made free throws brought it to a 28-26 Northwestern lead. The rest of the the half saw both teams exchange baskets and show off some nice offense and bring it to a 39-37 lead for MSU at halftime.
MSU came out firing for the second half, the Comets were able to hit three-pointers from Joelle Ertl and Sydney Gangl early in the half to open things up with a 10-2 run. Northwestern managed to weather the storm and kept things close throughout the quarter with strong defense and a late surge of three-pointers to bring it to a 62-58 lead for MSU entering the fourth.
Some sharp shooting from Ertl and Andrea Skillingstad etxtended the Comet lead in early the fourth, but Northwestern was able to stiffen up on the defensive side and force some turnovers, turning those into points when it mattered most down the stretch. With 2:30 left in the game, Paige Danner hit a three for Northwestern to bring things within five for the Red Raiders.
The Comets were able to hit some key free throws late in the game to keep the lead and give the win for MSU, 88-81.
Andy Gayner controlled the game with 28 points and eight rebounds, Joelle Ertl also had a great night with 23 points for MSU. Naomi Torgerson added eleven points and six boards for the Comets tonight in the victory.
The Comets play again next Friday against NDSU down in Fargo. Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM.
