Aberdeen, S.D. – After a closely contested first quarter, the Northern State women's basketball team was unable to keep pace with MSU Moorhead and dropped a 67-50 game to open the new year. The Wolves played tonight's game against the Dragons shorthanded, as they were without their leading scoring, and top bench player.
 
THE QUICK DETAILS
Final Score: NSU 50, MSUM 67
Records: NSU 6-7 (3-5 NSIC), MSUM 5-7 (4-4 NSIC)
Attendance: 1635
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Just like in most games this season, Northern State got off to a great start while scoring the first five points with a Lexi Roe 3-pointer and a Laurie Rogers layup, jumping out to a 7-2 lead minutes into the game
• After MSU Moorhead trailed 9-4 midway through the first quarter, Nicole Herbranson, Natlie Jens, and Paige Thompson each knocked down a 3-pointer enroute to a 15-13 lead after an 11-4 run to end the period
• The Wolves and Dragons traded a pair of baskets throughout the first five minutes of the second period, prior to a Peyton Boom 3-pointer sparking a 7-0 run for MSUM and building a nine point lead
• Northern responded with five consecutive points to get back within four points after a layup by Rogers and a Rianna Fillipi 3-pointer
• MSUM coasted into halftime with 31-23 lead after another mini run of 5-1
• On Northern's first possession of the second half, Carly Mekash capitalized on an and-one opportunity and brought the Wolves back within five points before the Dragons pushed the lead to double digits
• After trailing by as many as 12 points midway through the third quarter, NSU clawed back within five points when Roe knocked down a jumper on the first possession of the fourth quarter
• MSU Moorhead ran out to a 23 point lead with an 18-0 run that spanned over five minutes in the fourth quarter, Brynn Alfson knocked down a 3-pointer with 3:21 remaining in the game to end that run
• Alfson's 3-pointer sparked an 8-2 run for Wolves to end the game and cut the deficit to 17
• Rogers' five blocks in the game was her third game of five or more this season
• This was the first game since the season opener that Northern State was out-rebounded by their opponent, as the Dragons held a slight 32-30 advantage on the boards

 
NORTHERN STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
Rianna Fillipi: 15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
Lexi Roe: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
Laurie Rogers: 8 points, 7 rebounds, 5 blocks
 
UP NEXT
The Northern State women's basketball team will travel south next weekend as they visit Wayne State and Augustana. The Wolves and Wildcats will tip-off at 7:30 p.m. on January 7^th, and the Wolves and Vikings will tip-off at 5:30 p.m. on January 8^th.