Box Score
MAYVILLE, ND – The #22 MSU Comets returned home tonight to take on Valley City State in another battle in the long-time series for the two schools.
Things started out close in the early going with both teams feeling the other team out. Things remained within a bucket or two until Austin Dunbar and Jayden Ferguson were able to put together a stretch of baskets for the Vikings and go on a 12-0 run to give VCSU a 32-19 lead with just under nine minutes in the first half.
From there, the Comets were able to go on a 7-0 run of their own to battle back, but things continued to swing back and forth between the teams as the half closed out, with the Comets making a quiet surge in the final minute with
Cameron Epps getting two quick field goals to close the Vikings lead to six, 43-37.
The Vikings came out strong with a 10-0 run to start the second half, but the VCSU offense quieted eventually and
Creighton Pfau and
Daniel Lindgren took over for the Comets to produce 24 points between the two to keep the Comets in the game. The two helped narrow the Vikings lead to six with 6:07 to go, the score at 67-61.
The Comets fought to keep things within striking distance for the next few minutes, but missed opportunities on the offensive end plagued MSU down the stretch.
With the score sitting at 75-66 with 2:35 to play,
Gorg Alhag was able to connect on a 3-pointer to bring things within six, 75-69. The following possession by VCSU saw a missed free throw on a 1-and-1 with the Comets grabbing the rebound. From there, the Comets weren't able to capitalize for a score. On the other end, MSU played stingy defense and forced a deep 3-pointer by VCSU, but the Vikings were able to grab a key offensive rebound and wind the clock down. The Comets were forced to foul from there and hope for missed free throws. The Vikings hit them, pulling off the upset over the #22 Comets, 85 to 71.
Leading all in scoring was the Vikings' Jayden Ferguson with 26. The Vikings had three others in double figures with Austin Dunbar at 21, Rashad Satahoo at 13, and Justin Galloway at ten points. Galloway recorded a double-double with 14 rebounds.
The Comets also had four players in double figures, with
Daniel Lindgren leading the team with 24,
Cameron Epps with 14,
Creighton Pfau with 13 and
Eric Staebler with ten. Staebler and Pfau led in rebounds with seven and six, respectively.
Coming up next for the #22 Comets (13-6, 6-4 NSAA) will be at home on Saturday versus Dickinson State, game time at 5:00 pm.
