Box Score Mayville, N.D. - The Comets Men's Basketball team opened the North Star Conference Tournament at home against their longtime rival Valley City State Vikings. Mayville State's strong shooting carried them to an 82-68 Quarterfinal victory.

"I thought we guarded well for the most part. Guarding Bedgood is no easy task and I thought we made it difficult for him last night," said head coach Brandon McGruder.

Both teams were on fire early, as they traded baskets for the first eight minutes of the game. The Comets scored eight consecutive points to turn a 20-19 deficit into a 27-20 lead. John White Jr. contributed five of those eight.

Mayville State maintained that lead for the rest of the first half and went into the locker room at halftime with a 39-32 advantage.

The Comets shot 6 of 12 from the three point line, which was the primary factor with the seven point lead. Jamison Kramer hit two triples and led Mayville State in first half scoring with 8 points.

In the second half, the Comets methodically stretched their lead into double digits, as a White Jr. layup gave Mayville State a 60-47 lead.

The Vikings went on a 13-3 run to cut the lead to 63-60 at the seven minute mark. The Comets struck back and ripped off a 14-3 streak to boost the lead to 14 points with only three minutes remaining.

Thomas Gieske added seven points during this crucial outburst. The Comets went 5 for 6 from the charity stripe at the end of the game to stifle any chance of a last minute comeback, and advanced to the semi-finals with an 82-68 win.

"I think we shot it really well too which we haven't done lately. It was good for them to see the ball go through the hoop. If we can continue to shoot like that and guard we'll be a tough team to beat," added McGruder.

The Comets shot 50% for the game, and hit 11 of 24 three-pointers to key the offense.

Kramer led five Comets in double figures with 18 points. Gieske and White Jr. each chipped in 16 points and Gieske added five assists, Juan Carlos Canahuate finished with 12 points and Darren Jones racked up a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

The win bumps the Comets record to 20-8. Mayville State will host the Dickinson State Blue Hawks in the semifinals at the Lewy Lee on Sunday, February 25th at 3pm following the women's game at 1pm. The theme for both games is 'Jersey' so rock your favorite jersey and head out to the Lewy Lee!

"I'm glad we get to play at home in front of the best crowed in the NSAA, that's for sure. Dickinson is extremely tough, they are a hard nosed team that creates some match up problems. We'll have to be disciplined defensively and make championship plays," said McGruder.