Box Score
Box Score
ABERDEEN, S.D. – In a tale of two halves, the first consisting of a three point barrage and the second of stingy defense, the Northern State Wolves (11-8, 6-7 NSIC) fell victim of to the hot shooting of the University of Mary Marauders (13-4, 10-3 NSIC) in the 73-71 defeat.
The first half featured a seven point lead for the Wolves with 13:27 remaining in the half before the Marauder jets took off from the three point range.
After going 0-17 from long range last week in their game against Minnesota State-Mankato, the Marauders hit 9-16 from long range in the first half.
U-Mary would build an eleven point lead with 3:24 remaining in the half.
The Wolves would mount a small charge to cut the lead to four on an Emily Becken jumper with one minute remaining.
Kayla Schmidt would hit her fifth three point basket of the first half with just three seconds remaining to build the lead back up to seven at the half.
Coming out of the intermission break, the Marauders made quick work building a 13 point lead with 15:27 remaining.
Down nine points and 8:59 remaining, the Wolves went on a run with the intent to pirate the Marauder ship.
Alison Kusler hit a jump shot, Jenna Higgins hit a shot from the paint, Emily Becken got into the paint and maneuvered her way into a basket and one, which she swished the free throw. Mikayla Barondeau hit both free throws after being fouled on a rebound, which tied the game for the Wolves.
The very next trip down the floor, the Wolves took the lead for the first time since 11:46 in the first half, when Higgins hit another jumper, her 16th point of the game.
Kaitlyn Haag tied the game for the Marauers with the score at 65 apeice.
U-Mary worked a four point lead with one minute remaining, Becken missed a three point basket, which led to a jump ball situation.
Off the inbounds play, Becken scored on a lay up to bring the Wolves within two at 73-71.
Ali Collins missed a layup for the Marauders to keep the Wolves within two, Barondeau grabbed the rebound and the Wolves called a time out to draw up a play.
Kusler had a power shot directly below the rim that bounced out with Sadie Stotesbery grabbing the rebound and dishing to Sami Smith who missed the 17 foot jumper.
The Wolves immediately fouled Kaitlyn Haag. Haag missed both free throws for U-Mary keeping the Wolves within striking distance.
With 3.4 seconds on the game clock, Coach Fredrickson drew up a play with the inbounds pass going to mid-court to Barondeau. Becken was slashing up the side receiving the pass and driving to the basket. Becken dished off to Stotesbery who missed the layup as time expired with the final score at 73-71.
After a first half of 13 three point baskets, there would be just one trey in the second stanza, coming from Kusler for three of her 14 points.
Higgins and Becken led the Wolves with 16 points each, Kusler with 14 and Barondeau with 12. Mary paced three players in double figures with 16 coming from Haag.
Continuing their trend of out-rebounding opponents, the Wolves had 41 rebounds compared to 36 of the Marauders. Barondeau had 11 rebounds, her second double-double of the season.
The Wolves continue their January home stand next weekend hosting the University of Minnesota-Duluth and Bemdiji State. The Friday and Saturday games both beging at 6 p.m. at Wachs Arena.
