Mayville, ND - The No. 12 Comets Women's Basketball team hosted the No. 9 Dakota State Trojans in a battle for the top spot in the North Star conference. Mayville State forced 31 turnovers and routed the Trojans 72-49.
The Comets ripped off a 9-0 run in the first quarter to turn a 4-2 deficit into an 11-4 lead. Dakota State responded with a 10-3 run of their own to knot the game at 14 with just under two minutes remaining.
The teams traded baskets to finish the quarter tied at 16.
Mayville State ratcheted up the defensive pressure in the second quarter. The Comets hounded the Trojans into seven turnovers, which resulted in 13 points.
In addition, Mayville State hustled for six offensive rebounds which extended possessions and added points.
The Comets outscored Dakota State 22-6 over the last seven minutes to open up a 41-26 advantage at halftime.
The Comets continued to clamp down the Dakota State offense in the third quarter. The Trojans committed 11 turnovers in the quarter and were held to 27% shooting.
Although Mayville State only connected on 27% of their shots in the third, thanks to their defense the lead grew to 55-34 with 10 minutes left to play.
In the fourth, the Comets defense never wavered and the Trojans got no closer than 18 points the rest of the game.
Jordan Zrust,
Jes Mertens and
Mackenzie Hughes scored five points apiece to carry the Mayville State offense.
The Comets won their first game against a top 10 opponent since December 2019 with a final score of 72-49.
"I thought we defended with great toughness and tenacity tonight. Our players defended and rebounded well in both halves. We were very aggressive offensively which was part of the game plan. It was a great team win and a great team atmosphere in the Lewy tonight. We appreciate the home crowd and the support. We need to complete the weekend Saturday against Bellevue," said head coach
Dennis Hutter.
Mertens had a stellar all-around game with 19 points, eight steals and seven rebounds. Zrust added another double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, Hughes finished with 14 points and
Alex Page drilled for crucial three-pointers for 12 points.
The Comets record now stands at 19-3 and 8-1 in conference play. Mayville State hosts their final regular season home game Saturday against the Bellevue Bruins, tip off is at 3:00pm.
