Box Score

MAYVILLE, ND – The Comets came back home to the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse to begin their NSAA conference season against the visiting Presentation College Saints on Friday night. Coming off a 3 game winning streak and a 4-2 start to their season, the Comets were looking to start their conference schedule strong.

The first half was a quick one, with both teams attacking with speed. The Comets sprung out to the lead with two early buckets by Daniel Lindgren and another by Eric Staebler, the MSU defense kept the Saints scoreless for almost the first 2 and half minutes of play out of the gates. Presentation answered back with an 11-5 run to tie things up in a hurry, fueled by their own Julius Jackson. The Comets then went on a quick 8-0 run of their own as things seemed to continue to pick up even more. Overall, ten Comet players contributed during the first half production, the bench was running deep with solid and balanced production for the half.  The Comets went in with the lead, 45-36, at the break.  

The second half had a unique story of its own to tell. The Comets had a handful with the Saints as they slowly chipped away at the Comets' lead and went on a 15-10 spell to come within four with 10:41 to go. The next six minutes of action had both teams staying very close as the Saints went on another run to tie it all up at 60. PC took the lead with a 3-pointer to go ahead for the first time in the game, 63-60.

It became a true battle at the free throw line and down low as the game became tied again at 72 apiece until Daniel Lindgren took the lead for the Comets with a bucket to go up 74-72 with 4:31 to go. In what was a rather nerve-racking ending, both teams were held scoreless after trading some shots and rebounds. The Saints had one final possession with 12.6 seconds left, they missed a good look and were unable to tie it up on a last second attempt, giving the Comets the win in the end to start the NSAA season 1-0. 

Leading all scorers was the Saints' Julius Jackson with 23. The Saints also had solid production out of Deiontay Walters with 17 points and Quadre Lollis adding twelve. For the Comets, they were led by Daniel Lindgren with 15 and a well-balanced attack from Eric Staebler with twelve. Gorg Alhag and Jack Turnbull added ten each, as well, for MSU. The Saints got the better end of the rebounding battle, 40 to 36. The Comets shot 42.6% from the floor on the night, compared to 45% for the Saints. 

Next up for the 5-2 Comets will be the University of Jamestown at home tomorrow, game time is at 5:00 pm.