Salina, Kans. - The #12 Comets Women's Basketball team opened their NAIA National Tournament quest against the Freed-Hardeman Lions. Led by Jordan Zrust, Mayville State dominated the second half and won handily 87-58.

The Comets attacked the rim early and jumped out to a 12-5 lead, as Zrust contributed eight of those first 12.

The defense shined as well, as Mayville State forced the Lions into missing 9 of their 10 first field goal attempts. Freed-Hardeman came back in the final three minutes with a 7-2 run to close the gap to 14-12 at the end of the first quarter.

The Lions offense caught fire in the second quarter as they connected on four three pointers. The Comets also shot well from the field, but five turnovers limited their chances.

Freed-Hardeman outscored Mayville State 10-1 to turn a 27-22 deficit into a 32-28 advantage with just over a minute left. A triple by CJ Decker got the Comets to within a point at halftime 32-31.

The Comets opened the second half with a 15-1 streak to open up a 46-33 lead. Zrust poured in points at all levels, from the three point line to under the basket to the charity stripe. The Lions did not score their first bucket until halfway through the quarter.

Mayville State added a 7-0 run towards the end of the quarter to increase their lead to 19 before they settled for a 58-42 margin with 10 minutes left.

Zrust finished with 17 points and eight rebounds in the third, which included going 9 for 9 from the free throw line.

The Comets relentlessly attacked the rim and drew numerous Lion fouls. Mayville State was in the bonus from the 8:20 mark and took full advantage by connecting on 15 of 16 free throws in the quarter.

These free points steadily boosted Mayville State's advantage to over 30 points at one time. When the final buzzer sounded, the Comets advanced to the second round with an 87-58 victory.

Zrust finished with a career-high 43 points and also pulled down 14 rebounds. 43 points is also a National Tournament record! Jes Mertens added 14 points and two blocks and Mackenzie Hughes reached double figures with 10.

Mayville State will take on LSU-Shreveport in the 2nd round, tomorrow at 3:00pm.

Mayville State University will hold a watch party in the MSU Classroom Auditorium to cheer on the Comets.

The game will be live streamed on the KCAC network for $9.99.

For full schedule details visit: https://msucomets.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule