MAYVILLE, ND – The Mayville State women bounced back on Saturday after a Friday night loss against #17 ranked Saint Xavier University, as they took on the Robert Morris University Eagles in their second road game in Chicago. The Comets trailed early, but in the end, defeated the Eagles 72-67 in non-conference road action.
 
"The kids competed," head coach Dennis Hutter said. "I knew we would be tired after the battle we had on Friday against Saint Xavier."
 
Robert Morris controlled the first and third quarters, outscoring the Comets 32-27. It was the second and fourth quarters that propelled the Comets to victory, as they held the Eagles to a combined 25 points, while offensively putting up 45 points.
 
"The reason we were able to win was because we were able to defend most of the second half and all of the fourth quarter," Hutter said.
 
The Comets stepped up in the second half. Tied at 36-36 at halftime, the Comets were able to find their feet at the start of the second half.
 
Andrea Skillingstad pulled the Comets ahead 38-36 just 30 seconds in. Her basket was answered 15 seconds later by Robert Morris. But, then Skillingstad answered again, with a jumper of her own.
 
Robert Morris then went on a run, pulling ahead by 10 points with just over three minutes left in the third quarter. Claire Blascziek, who led the Comets, stopped the rally with two minutes left, with a three-pointer on a pass from Kylee Heurung, pulling the Comets to within seven points.
 
Mayville State closed the third quarter on back-to-back buckets, a jumper by Heurung and a three by Blascziek, who closed the third with her 20^th point of the game.
 
Nicole Bunting pulled Mayville State to within two points at the start of the fourth quarter, but Robert Morris continued to answer back, pulling ahead by six points in the first two-and-a-half minutes of the final frame.
 
That's when the Comet defense stood tall and strong, and the offense got hot.
 
Kylee Heurung's pair of made free throws with 6:35 to go pulled the Comets to within four points. Their offensive power continued, as Taylor Shamp nailed a layup to pull the Comets to within two points.
 
The Comets took the lead with 5:08 to go in the fourth on yet another Blascziek three. 30 seconds later, she hit a layup to give the Comets a three-point lead. In all, a 13-0 run ensued, with Blascziek capping it off with a layup with 3:03 to go.
 
But, Robert Morris fought back. The Eagles brought the game to within one point with 91 seconds left.
 
Mayville State then gained back a lead, 70-65, with 30 seconds left. Blascziek, Bunting and Cyan Hale all hit free throws.
 
With Mayville State leading 70-65, Robert Morris' Dyania Rainey hit a layup with 19 seconds left, making it a one-possession, three-point game.
 
Heurung was fouled with one second left, sending her to the free throw line. She nailed both shots, guaranteeing the win for the Comets.
 
Mayville State was led in scoring by Blascziek's 29 points. Bunting and Hale each added in 10 points. Heurung led the Comets with 14 rebounds.
 
"I'm proud of how the team competed and found a way to win," Hutter said. "We took a step forward and are one percent better after the Robert Morris game."
 
Mayville State is now 5-1 on the season and will host the Concordia College Cobbers on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse, before heading to Bismarck for an exhibition against the University of Mary Marauders on Saturday, which is scheduled for a 6 p.m. tipoff.